Tatmadaw Reaffirms Vigilance in National Duties
The Union Accords, which
consolidate the outcomes of earlier peace conferences held under previous
governments, are now set to be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for
constitutional amendment.
28 MARCH 2026
State Security and Peace
Commission Chairman and Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General
Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhama Min Aung Hlaing delivered a
speech at the Parade of the 81st Anniversary of Armed Forces Day on 27 March
2026. The full text of the speech is as follows: —
Comrades,
Today marks the 81st Anniversary
of Armed Forces Day of the Tatmadaw, a solemn and proud occasion that resonates
with the enduring legacy of our Armed Forces, forged in the crucible of the
nation’s struggle for independence. This day bears profound historical
significance, as it marks the momentous 27 March 1945, when Tatmadaw, in
resolute unity with the people, rose against fascist domination after having
initially taken up arms to expel the vestiges of colonial rule. On this solemn
and significant occasion for both our nation and Tatmadaw, I wish to underscore
several key points for reflection and renewed commitment.
Comrades,
Our nation stands among the
distinguished nations of the world, bearing a proud legacy and a prosperous
identity forged through centuries. But, in the nineteenth century, the British
showed different reasons to relinquish our independence and sovereignty, and
fulfilled their imperial expansion. To retain our independence and sovereignty,
the Burma Independence Army (BIA), under the leadership of General Aung San,
sought military training and tactics from Japan. In unity with the people, they
rose in resistance against British rule.
After the British withdrew, Japan
failed to honour its commitment to grant genuine independence. Instead, the
strength of Tatmadaw was curtailed. Further, the independence proved to be
illusory. In response to the suffering of the people under fascist domination,
the Tatmadaw, in concert with the people, launched the historic Anti-Fascist
movement on 27 March 1945. From that time onwards, our Tatmadaw remained
steadfast in its commitment to securing complete independence and safeguarding
the nation from foreign suppression.
Independence is the truest
expression of national sovereignty. It signifies that all nationalities may
freely exercise the three main sovereign powers – namely, the legislative,
executive, and judicial – in accordance with the collective will and
circumstances of the nation. Accordingly, the preservation and safeguarding of
the independence and sovereignty won through the sacrifices of countless lives
remain both a sacred historical trust and an inherent duty entrusted to every
Tatmadaw member and to all nationalities of the Union.
Comrades,
The internal insurgencies rooted
in the ideological diversity, political diversity, and ethnic affairs among
nationalities who have long coexisted throughout history due to the instigation
of British imperial rule, came into existence since independence, and our
Tatmadaw, led by Lt-Gen Smith Dun and General Ne Win, has remained steadfast in
safeguarding the nation, never relinquishing the hard-won independence and
national sovereignty secured through immense sacrifice. In the discharge of
this solemn duty, the Tatmadaw has resolutely resisted foreign encroachments,
including those of the Kuomintang forces, and suppressed the Mujahedin
insurgency, while steadfastly undertaking operations to restore stability in
the face of diverse internal insurgent groups with courage and determination.
Furthermore, Tatmadaw, upholding
a righteous cause and a profound sense of national duty, has resolutely
safeguarded the nation in times of grave danger. In light of these trials, it
may be declared with conviction that Tatmadaw has not only stood tall as the
vanguard and bastion of the nation and its people – undaunted in adversity
whenever the Our three main national causes are imperilled – but also remains
steadfast in its revered duty to safeguard the future of the nation.
Comrades,
Our nation, once united under the
tradition of a sovereign kingdom before the loss of its independence, has since
traversed diverse systems of governance, including the parliamentary democratic
order established in the post-independence era. In the wake of certain
inadequacies, along with internal and external instigations that impeded the
consolidation of a strong and stable Union under the socialist system, unrest
ensued, whereupon Tatmadaw assumed responsibility for the nation in 1988. From
that turbulent juncture, Tatmadaw led by Senior General Saw Maung and Senior
General Than Shwe, has steadfastly advanced the foundations of national
development across the political, economic, and social spheres, and has
instituted a quintessential State Constitution to foster a disciplined
democratic system and a market-oriented economy.
Comrades,
In this regard, our Tatmadaw has
played a leading role in facilitating the transition towards the democratic
system desired by the people, as reflected in the multiparty democratic general
election of 2010 under the Constitution (2008). However, on 1 February 2021, in
response to allegations of widespread electoral irregularities under the NLDled
government and concerns regarding the legal legitimacy of the elected Hluttaw
representatives in the 2020 General Election, Tatmadaw temporarily assumed
responsibility for the nation in accordance with the provisions of the State
constitution. In this pursuit, Tatmadaw sought to uphold the multiparty democratic
system aspired by the people. At present, Tatmadaw remains steadfastly
committed to this course, having undertaken all necessary measures to ensure
the successful conduct of elections, and has reaffirmed its pledge to support
the government legitimately elected by the people, intending to strengthen and
sustain the multiparty democratic system.
Comrades,
A Constitution is the fundamental
law, enacted to safeguard the long-term interests of the nation. A constitution
must, above all, be drafted in accordance with the nation’s identity,
historical experience, ethnic composition, religious traditions, political
realities, economic conditions, and other fundamental considerations. In the
Constitution (2008), the inclusion of Tatmadaw’s role, along with its solemn
mandate “to safeguard the state constitution”, reflects lessons distilled from
historical shortcomings. These provisions were formally enshrined out of
absolute necessity, guided by the objective realities and imperatives of our
nation.
Furthermore, the provision
stating that Tatmadaw shall “consistently aim to participate in the national
political leadership role of the State” was enunciated to enable Tatmadaw to
collaborate in the national interest, in pursuit of the imperatives of our
nation. It must be clearly understood that this does not signify ‘leading in
politics’, as certain pessimists may allege, but rather embodies Tatmadaw’s
constructive engagement in national politics, devoted to safeguarding and
advancing the nation’s affairs. National politics embodies an enduring vision,
oriented towards the sustainable advancement of the interests of the nation and
its people. It is anchored in our Three Main National Causes – the
non-disintegration of the Union, the non-disintegration of national solidarity,
and the perpetuation of sovereignty – which constitute the pivotal pillars
safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of our nation. Throughout
successive periods since independence, Tatmadaw has discharged its national
political responsibilities with the steadfast purpose of defending these Three
Main National Causes as a historic duty. Therefore, I wish to affirm that
Tatmadaw will continue to serve the interests of the nation and its people in
full accordance with the provisions of the state constitution.
Comrades,
Tatmadaw has embarked upon the
path of building a Standard Army, with the avowed aim of evolving into a
formidable force endowed with large-scale combat readiness and comprehensive
operational effectiveness. In this endeavour, training stands as the foremost
pillar in attaining such readiness. Accordingly, every soldier must maintain
health, fitness and efficacy, while every unit must engage in continuous
training to strengthen their mettle, in steadfast adherence to the guiding
principle: “Study, Practise, Comply”. To ensure full operational effectiveness,
the forces must be equipped with modern weaponry and materiels; to this end,
domestic research and development is being vigorously advanced, while essential
procurement needs are systematically fulfilled.
Comrades,
Tatmadaw stands as a trusted
institution of the nation, founded upon the enduring pillars of strong morale,
strict discipline, and steadfast obedience to command. The triumphant
culmination of the anti-fascist movement was achieved through the harmonious
fusion of the patriotic fervour of the Burma Independence Army era with the
discipline and order of the Burma Defence Army, in resolute collaboration with
the people. This stands as an enduring testimony to the defining hallmarks of
our Tatmadaw. Accordingly, I urge all personnel to cultivate a deep and
diligent understanding of our history, and, rooted in an abiding sense of
patriotism, to strive both individually and collectively to uphold a Tatmadaw
distinguished by excellence in morale, discipline, and steadfast obedience.
Comrades,
Foreign aggressors and
self-serving political opportunists, past and present alike, have relentlessly
sought to undermine and erode the strength and unity of our Tatmadaw. Yet, in
the face of such persistent designs, our resolve shall never falter, nor shall
our unity be shaken. On the contrary, we shall stand ever more resolute,
fortifying unity and cohesion across all ranks, in adherence to our guiding
principle: “No matter who seeks to divide us, we shall ever remain united”.
While fortifying cohesion within our
ranks, we must equally give due emphasis to our engagement with the public. In
this regard, all Tatmadaw members must embrace the guiding ethos of
“Mother-Figure People, Father-Figure People” and diligently carry out their
responsibilities in the service of public welfare.
Comrades,
Armed terrorist factions that
persist along the path of violence, invoking federal, democratic and ethnic
affairs as pretexts, are largely sustained by illicit activities, including
telecom fraud, unlawful online gambling, narcotics trafficking, and
transnational crime. As these activities serve to finance such elements and
threaten national stability, I wish to inform you that comprehensive nationwide
operations are being vigorously conducted. Simultaneously, the cooperation with
regional partners and international organizations is being strengthened to
combat this menace with determination and resolve.
Comrades,
Scrutinizing a nation’s security
sector reveals that its foremost responsibility is to ensure socioeconomic
security and safeguard the life and property of every citizen. It is incumbent
upon each citizen to uphold steadfast security awareness and vigilance, thereby
fortifying the resilience, integrity, and enduring strength of the nation’s
public security framework.
Across every township, ward, and
village, Public Protection Forces have been meticulously trained and organized
to pre-empt, prevent, and suppress terrorist activities, while public security
operations are carried out with resolute determination. In this endeavour, the
People’s Militia for local security and the People’s Military Service System
for national defence are administered in strict accordance with the nation’s
legal framework. It can be seen that countries across the world exercise the
national conscription act. I urge all members of the public to continue their
active cooperation in the People’s Security processes, thereby ensuring the
comprehensive safeguarding of the nation’s socioeconomic life.
Comrades,
Among the Three Main National
Causes, the Non-disintegration of National Solidarity embodies enduring peace,
which serves as an indispensable pillar of our nation’s stability and
prosperity. It must be clearly recognized that the fruits of lasting peace are
not for Tatmadaw or any single organization, but for the State and all ethnic
peoples collectively. Accordingly, persistent and deliberate efforts to engage
in peace dialogues with ethnic armed organizations have been undertaken across
successive epochs.
Tatmadaw’s issuance of a
declaration on ceasefire and enduring peace on 21 December 2018 laid the
foundation for the subsequent implementation of unilateral ceasefires. On 22
April 2022, in the wake of a peace address stating, “I will personally meet and
hold discussions with all ethnic armed organizations to implement peace
practically and effectively”, formal in-person dialogues were held with the
leaders of ethnic armed organizations. As the culmination of these historic
dialogues, 43 agreements to amend and supplement the Constitution (2008) were
formally concluded and ratified. Moreover, the Union Accords, synthesizing the
outcomes of preceding peace conferences under the erstwhile governments, are
now poised for submission to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, where they will undergo
thorough and meticulous deliberation and subsequent amendment.
Comrades,
Our nation is firmly committed to
the practice of a democratic political system, while resolutely advancing
towards the consolidation of a Union founded upon democratic and federal
principles in its State structure. A federal system does not rest upon the interests
of any individual or single ethnicity, but upon the equitable organization of
regions and territories. In its implementation within our nation, a
region-based Union, aligned with our national realities, will be adopted,
drawing upon the wisdom and experience accumulated across successive historical
epochs.
At present, however, capable
representatives entrusted with carrying forward the will of the people have
emerged through the Multiparty Democratic General Election and the respective
Hluttaws now stand duly convened and in session. As every vote cast embodies
the intellect and sovereign will of the people, those who have emerged as
representatives to the Hluttaws bear the solemn responsibility of discharging
national duties with foresight, resolute loyalty, and the utmost gravity.
I wish to underscore that, while
the National Defence and Security Council will continue to provide steadfast
guidance until a strong and stable government emerges, capable of steering the
nation resolutely along its political course, Tatmadaw shall remain ever
vigilant and prepared to discharge its responsibilities in safeguarding the
national interest.
Comrades,
In conclusion, I solemnly affirm
that Tatmadaw has faithfully discharged its sacred duties, unfailingly
upholding the welfare of the nation and its people above all considerations
throughout successive epochs. Up till now, Tatmadaw continues to safeguard the
Union and its citizens, guided by the timeless principle: “Mother-Figure
People, Father-Figure People”. Let it be unequivocally reaffirmed that Tatmadaw
shall remain steadfast, a modern and patriotic institution that endures
well-being of the nation and its people.
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