Although the United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA) had attended the July conference led by the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), it should not be supposed that it is ready to become a member of the alliance, according to an informed source close to the group.

“That goes for the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) of Sao Sai Leun too,” he added. “Only the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) of Peng Jiasheng has agreed to join it.”

A delegation from the grouping is currently visiting Panghsang, where the Wa headquarters is located. He refused to identify the names of the delegates.

All three groups had sent delegates to attend the UNFC led Ethnic Conference for Peace and Reconciliation, 29-31 July, in Chiangmai. Xiao Hsarm Khun, the Wa delegate, then told SHAN he was there to learn and build rapport with other “fraternal organizations.”

Both the UWSA and NDAA have maintained their fragile truce with Naypyitaw for 24 years. As for the ceasefire with MNDAA, better known as Kokang, it broke down when Kokang was invaded and occupied in 2009.

Hkun Okker, UNFC’s Joint Secretary #2, however, says the alliance was only trying to win over the 3 groups to join the UNFC led political negotiation team to parley with the government.

Speaking on yesterday’s meeting with Thura Shwe Mann, Speaker of the Union Assembly (Pyidaungzu Hluttaw) in Kengtung, the source commented it was a visit to cultivate relations with the UWSA and NDAA.
“He has already declared himself a candidate for the next presidency,” he said. “The meeting therefore was useful also for the Wa and Mongla (NDAA headquarters).”

The Wa delegation was led by Ta Lone, Deputy Commander-in-Chief; Zhao Guo-an, Chief of External Affairs; and Li Julie aka U Aung Myint. The NDAA representatives were Sai Leun aka Lin Mingxian, Chairman; Hsan Per, Vice Chairman; and Khun Hsang Lu, Vice Chairman.