The New Mon State Party will sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, marking the first time that an ethnic armed organisation has acceded to the accord since eight initial non-state signatories joined the previous government and military in formally agreeing to its terms over two years ago.

Aung San Suu Kyi reaffirms her commitment to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement at the second anniversary of the pact’s signing as Burma’s commander-in-chief urges holdouts to get on board and the leader of the most prominent ethnic armed signatory to the accord acknowledges doubts about the peace process.

“We understand that the government has a lot of issues to resolve, in particular the Arakan Crisis. However, the peace process should be its priority," says Khun Okker.

DPN and govt agree on principles that would pave the way towards a nationwide ceasefire agreement and kick-starting the peace process.

Ceasefire groups urged Naypyidaw to facilitate “national-level political discussions” in Shan and Arakan states.

The seven militias say they have formed a committee to negotiate with the government, but will not discuss the NCA.