Introduction
During September 2026, key areas of focus in the Mon political landscape include the New Mon State Party’s (NMSP) involvement in peace talks, the Mon Unity Party’s (MUP) political participation, and the status of cooperation among Mon revolutionary forces. This assessment examines the relationship between the New Mon State Party and the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), the political participation of the Mon Unity Party, and the cooperation among Mon revolutionary forces, while providing a comparative analysis of the significance of current peace efforts and the factors that could impact the Mon political scene.
- Relationship between the New Mon State Party and the (NSPNC)
On September 29 and 30, 2026, the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the Negotiation Team of NCA-signatory Ethnic Armed Organizations (7 EAO Alliance) met in Yangon. Central Executive Committee member Nai Aung Mngay attended from the New Mon State Party’s side.[1] In the meeting, they discussed the peace process based on the essence of the NCA, trust building, principles for political dialogues, and bringing non-NCA signatory groups into the discussions. Similarly, the 7 EAO Alliance released a statement on September 29 expressing their desire to create a dialogue setting similar to the previous NCA negotiation period until an acceptable and meaningful peace process emerges for the public.[2]
- Mon Unity Party’s Domestic Political Activities
Political developments related to the Mon Unity Party during September included meeting with local people and participating in the process of the political parties group connected to the peace process. At a public meeting held on September 4 in Mudoon Village, Chaungzon Township, Pyithu Hluttaw Representative U Soe Thu, Amyotha Hluttaw Representative U Min Soe Khine, and Amyotha Hluttaw Constituency No. (8) Representative U Ye Htut Aung from the Mon Unity Party attended.[3] However, because administrative officials and relevant department heads were present at the meeting, local people faced difficulties in openly speaking about their grievances regarding land issues, corruption, and national registration difficulties.[4] This incident illustrates the gap between being able to hold a public meeting and actually obtaining the authentic voice of the public.
On the other hand, following the discussions between the (NSPNC) and the political parties group, a working group comprising 16 permanent representatives from the political parties group was formed to continue peace process-related tasks, in which (MUP) Vice Chairman Nai Tala Nyi was included.[5] The (NSPNC) noted that political parties have a role that can assist in communicating and negotiating with armed groups. While this process reflects the role of political parties, including (MUP), in peace talks, their ability to participate in decision-making and the practical outcomes remain to be monitored further.
- Cooperation Among Mon Revolutionary Forces
The position and status of cooperation among Mon revolutionary forces form an important part of understanding the current Mon political landscape. Nai Mon Sai, Chairman of the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) Administrative Committee, stated that although the military government appears to want to resume the previous NCA-based peace process, the current situation is different from the past.[6] In his view, due to ongoing conflicts, the absence of an all-inclusive political atmosphere, and the lack of transparency regarding the election, it remains difficult for revolutionary organizations to build trust in the coup military leaders. It should be noted that this is only the position of the (MSFC) and does not represent the stance of all Mon revolutionary forces.
At the same time, a delegation led by Nai Banya Lel, Secretary of the New Mon State Party – Anti-Military Dictatorship (NMSP-AD), met with Mon business owners and intellectuals in Thailand on September 13.[7] While this meeting indicates outreach to the overseas Mon community, it is unknown what agreements, support plans, or specific cooperation resulted from it. Therefore, it is difficult to confirm the political and organizational impact of this meeting.
- Comparative Analysis
When comparing developments related to Mon politics during September 2026, it can be seen that although avenues for political participation and peace negotiations have re-emerged, the prospects for achieving long-term sustainable political outcomes through these avenues remain uncertain.
First, while the New Mon State Party’s continued participation in peace talks provides an opportunity to present its position through dialogue, merely being involved in such meetings should not be directly construed as having reached a political agreement with the military junta. Similarly, the Mon Unity Party’s inclusion in the political parties working group represents an opportunity for the party to participate in peace-related processes; however, whether it will have a real impact depends on what discussions, agreements, and practical outcomes emerge through its participation. Therefore, the essence of discussions and the ability to implement them matter more than the mere number of meetings held.
Second, there is the connection between the independent positions of Mon political forces and their shared political goals. The Mon Unity Party’s party-politics path, the New Mon State Party’s NCA-based dialogue path, and the positions of revolutionary forces—including the (MSFC) and (NMSP-AD)—differ in their operational approaches. Drafting the Mon State Revolutionary Charter by the Mon Revolutionary Forum, which includes the (MSFC) and (NMSP-AD), also remains quiet. Consequently, the status of charter drafting among Mon revolutionary forces and the state of practical cooperation among these organizations raise serious questions.
Third, there is the issue of public participation and political representation. The Mon Unity Party’s local public meeting and the (NSPNC)’s process regarding the political parties group highlight the importance of communication between the public and political organizations. However, the presence of authorities at the public meeting—which rendered local people afraid to speak freely regarding complaints against those authorities—is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of public meetings.
Conclusion
According to the developments in September 2026, although avenues for peace negotiations and political participation have been reactivated, their effectiveness cannot be judged solely by the number of meetings held. The primary challenges are building mutual trust among stakeholders, genuinely listening to the voices of the public, and requiring practical cooperation among diverse Mon political forces toward shared goals. In the coming period, whether the political participation of various Mon political organizations through different avenues can respond to the needs of the public, and whether there is progress in drafting the Mon Revolutionary Charter will serve as the key indicators shaping the direction of the Mon political landscape.
[1] MOI, September 30, 2026: The second day of the meeting between the National Unity and Peace Process Coordination Committee and the negotiation team of the NCA signatory ethnic armed organizations (NCA-S EAOs) continued. https://www.moi.gov.mm/index.php/news/88733
[2] 7 EAO Alliance, September 29, 2026: Statement by 7 EAO Alliance. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C5f8Cj5Lf/
[3] U Soe Thu, September 4, 2026: September 4, Chaungzon. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CQmXWH26T/
[4] Myanmar Pressphoto Agency, September 6, 2026: Chaungzon residents disappointed as bad officials attended public meeting with fake MPs, stating 3 Mon MPs combined fail Political 10th Grade. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19G9xeH9Rj/
[5] Kaowao News Group, September 22, 2026: Mon Unity Party Vice Chairman Nai Tala Nyi included in permanent working group of political parties to collaborate with NSPNC. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14cmd5PcNTH/
[6] Thanlwin Times, September 20, 2026: Military government attempts to recruit and contact revolutionary groups using political parties group as intermediaries. Thanlwintimes
[7] NMSP-AD/Ramonnya Mon Army, September 15, 2026: Leaders of the New Mon State Party (Anti-Military Dictatorship) meet with Mon business owners in Thailand. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19k7GJ8nyk/
