PANGHSANG, Myanmar — In a move that has drawn widespread scrutiny, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed organization, has formally congratulated Senior General Min Aung Hlaing following his self-installation as President of the country’s sham government.
The message of support from the United Wa State Party (UWSP) came shortly after a choreographed session in Naypyidaw, where the coup leader transitioned into a civilian role within an illegal administrative framework widely rejected by the international community.
In a formal letter, the Wa leadership expressed “heartfelt congratulations” to Min Aung Hlaing, legitimizing a presidential role born out of a military-controlled assembly. Despite the global condemnation of the sham government, the UWSA praised Min Aung Hlaing’s previous military tenure, describing his efforts in maintaining “national stability” as achievements worthy of record.
Significantly, the UWSA used the occasion to reaffirm its loyalty to the Union, stating that Wa State remains an “inseparable part” of Myanmar. The group pledged to never seek formal independence or secede, aligning itself with the rhetoric of the sham regime in exchange for continued regional autonomy.
The endorsement from the Wa—who command a standing army of roughly 30,000 with sophisticated weaponry—is seen as a strategic win for Min Aung Hlaing’s illegal administration. While the National Unity Government (NUG) and numerous other ethnic forces are fighting to dismantle the junta, the UWSA’s “armed neutrality” has effectively shifted toward a pragmatic partnership with the sham government.
“The Wa leadership believes that under this new leadership, the nation will achieve peace and stability through ethnic unity,” the letter stated. The group also signaled its intent to continue negotiations with the sham government to secure its own regional political interests.
The formal recognition by the UWSA provides a rare domestic endorsement for the military chief’s bid for legitimacy. However, human rights monitors and democratic activists have dismissed the move as a strategic bargain between two autocratic entities.
The letter concluded with well-wishes for the “President” and his family, praying for their health and the prosperity of the nation. As Min Aung Hlaing seeks to project an image of civilian rule through his sham government, the support of the UWSA highlights the complex and often contradictory alliances that define Myanmar’s fractured political landscape.
