On the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the founding of the Arakan Army (AA), the Acting President of the National Unity Government (NUG) conveyed a congratulatory message to the AA’s leader, Major General Twan Mrat Naing. In the message, the NUG’s Acting President acknowledged the AA’s 14 th anniversary of the founding their revolutionary movement and praised their achievement in gaining the trust and support of the entire Rakhine population.

Acting President of the NUG, Duwa Lashi La, personally signed and sent a congratulatory message to the leader of the Arakan Army (AA) on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of its establishment on April 10th.

“ I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest welcome on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the founding of AA, which we celebrate today”, the Acting President stated.

NUG’s Acting President, Duwa Lashi La, expressed his wish for the Rakhine people to have the right to self-determination and shape their own destiny during the celebration of AA’s anniversary. He also expressed his hope to collaborate towards the establishment of a federal union.

The 14th anniversary of AA’s establishment was celebrated not only by NUG, but also by its brother-in-arms organizations such as Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), Myanmar National Truth and Justice Party/Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNTJP/MDAA).

In addition eight Spring Revolution alliances, including the People's Revolution Alliance (PRA), People's Defense Forces (PDF), Student Armed Force (SAF), Asho Chin Defense Force (ACDF), Lightning Guerrilla Force, People’s Liberation Force, People’s Revolution Force, and Chin Defense Force (Asho), sent their congratulations.

The eight Spring Revolution alliances conveyed their gratitude to AA in their message, expressing appreciation for the support and guidance provided. They pledged to utilize AA’s support and teachings effectively and to work towards the true liberation of the oppressed people.

In his speech commemorating the founding anniversary of the Arakan Army (AA), Major General Twan Mrat Naing also urged Rakhine people, both locally and abroad, to continue their commitment to the revolution.

AA was established on April 10th, 2009, in Laiza, a town located in Kachin State where the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) is headquartered. Initially founded by 26 Rakhine youth, the AA’s military strength has since grown to over 30,000, making it the

largest armed group in Rakhine State. The organization has gained significant support from the local community and has managed to liberate several areas within the region.