Myanmar civil war sees rare opening for peace talks

After more than five years of fighting, a rare window for negotiations over Myanmar's civil war is emerging. Analysts cite a shift on the battlefield, with the military regaining ground, and growing regional pressure as key drivers.

The umbrella group Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) said it met last month with Thai and Philippine foreign ministers and pledged to pursue a political settlement. Junta chief‑turned‑president Min Aung Hlaing has not yet recognised the SCEF as a negotiating partner, but his recent visit to Thailand underscores ASEAN's push for gradual re‑engagement with the war‑torn neighbour.

SCEF spokesperson Saw Nimrod called for an end to attacks on civilians and the release of all political prisoners. The new government, formed after the 2021 coup, also urged armed groups to engage in talks by the end of July.