On the full moon day of War Gaung, August 8, 2025, the modern Mon Revolution Day reached its 78th anniversary. The Mon Revolution has gone through many ups and downs, rises and falls, but at present it is once again being pushed toward armed revolution.
As usual, on this 78th Mon Revolution Day, about 11 different revolutionary forces issued statements and congratulatory messages as RICE has recorded. From these (11) statements, some significant points are highlighted and analyzed below.
Bago Revolutionary Forces: The Possible “Mon De” Generation Descendants
First, let’s analyze the statements that were sent to Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) from revolutionary forces that are slightly distant from the Mon community; Yoma Nyi Naung Joint Force, Tharyawaddy District Regiment, and the Bago Unit Federal Force (BUFF).
The Yoma Nyi Naung Joint Force honored the 78th Mon Revolution Day, pledging to work together in building the future federal democracy union.
Similarly, Tharyawaddy District Regiment 3802, Battalion 4, UGF, stated: “For generations, Mon people have fought for their right to self-determination and the right to shape their own destiny. Today marks 78 years of that struggle. On this anniversary, we pledge to continue fighting together toward federal aspirations.”
BUFF (Bago Unit Federal Force) declared that they fully understand, trust, and accept the Mon Revolution, and that they will work hand in hand with the Mon people towards federal goals.
“This must be called a blood bond.” Historically, Bago (Hanthawaddy) was once the royal capital of the Mon kingdom. Although today’s revolutionary forces from Bago may not speak the Mon language, they still express a strong desire to join the Mon Revolution. From this, one might assume that the Bago federal revolutionary forces could be considered as descendants of the Mon De generation.
Statements from Two Factions of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and Their Chairman
The NMSP declared that to achieve the self-determination envisioned by fallen martyrs, comrades and leaders, the party will fight together with other Mon parties, armed forces, organizations, and fellow ethnic groups until a new Mon State is established. Chairman Nai Hongsar (NMSP) stated in his congratulatory message that Mon people must seize the present opportunity to struggle for national rights. He also urged the Mon people to join, or support and assist the revolution if they truly love the nation.
NMSP (Anti-Dictatorship) / Ramonnya Mon Army (NMSP-AD/RMA) called on all Mon youth at home and abroad, all Mon nationals, and all people of Mon State to unite and fight alongside the RMA. Furthermore, Chairman Nai Zeya (NMSP-AD/RMA) urged all Mon revolutionary forces in Mon State to unify as one single Ramonnya Mon Army and launch coordinated offensives against the military junta.
On the occasion of seeing the RMA soldiers at the Mon Revolution Day ceremony. (Photo: NMSP-AD/RMA)
What Did MSFC and NUG Say?
Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) exhorted the Mon public to boycott the junta’s sham elections, resist the military junta, and uproot all forms of dictatorship until a genuine federal democracy union can be established.
National Unity Government (NUG), People’s Defense Forces, Strategy 33, and Special Military Commands sent a congratulatory message of solidarity to Mon and other ethnic groups, pledging to overcome all difficulties and challenges together in order to fulfill their historic duties.
While non-Mon allied organizations issued statements on the 78th Mon Revolution Day, the Mon Unity Party (MUP) — a Mon political party — did not release even a single statement this year. The last time MUP issued a statement for Mon Revolution Day was in 2023 (the 76th anniversary).
The Mon Unity Party (MUP): Silent but Present
While non-Mon allied organizations issued statements on the 78th Mon Revolution Day, the Mon Unity Party (MUP) — a Mon political party — did not release even a single statement this year. The last time MUP issued a statement for Mon Revolution Day was in 2023 (the 76th anniversary). Since then, for two years, it has remained silent. However, MUP has not folded its flag. On August 17, 2025, it announced that regardless of circumstances, there must always be a political party active inside the country, and therefore it will continue to operate.
Conclusion and Recommendation
At present, some groups such as Bago Unit Federal Force (BUFF) are drawing closer to the Mon Revolution. This closeness may be a sign of reunification among the three Mon communities: Mon Dai, Mon De, and Mon Nya.
The Mon political and revolutionary leaders should recognize these opportunities and work inclusively even with communities in Bago/Hanthawaddy which considered as descendants of Mon De generation — in future state-building and nation-building efforts. This anniversary thus highlights both the fragmentation and potential for reunification within the Mon political and revolutionary landscape.
The Mon political and revolutionary leaders should recognize these opportunities and work inclusively even with communities in Bago/Hanthawaddy which considered as descendants of Mon De generation — in future state-building and nation-building efforts. This anniversary thus highlights both the fragmentation and potential for reunification within the Mon political and revolutionary landscape.
Translated from RICE Weekly Peace Analysis
