- Enhanced Political Cooperation During the Earthquake Emergency Response
In the aftermath of the Sagaing earthquake during April, emergency rescue and relief operations were swiftly initiated, and political organizations actively collaborated. Two key stakeholders—the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw and the Sagaing Forum—formed an Earthquake Emergency Relief Committee aimed at ensuring timely and effective delivery of both local and international assistance to affected communities in areas not under junta control.
Although there were unconfirmed reports suggesting informal agreements were reached within the emergency relief committee, no official statement has been released. Nevertheless, on-ground sources indicated growing cooperation toward the establishment of a Sagaing Federal Unit.
Significant Developments:
Formation of the Earthquake Response Team for the Sagaing Federal Unit
On April 2, 2025, a joint declaration was made via the official pages of the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw and the Sagaing Forum, announcing the formation of the “Earthquake Response Team for the Sagaing Federal Unit.” This team was a collaborative initiative between the committee designated by the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw and the Sagaing Forum’s affiliated “Sagaing People’s Relief Network.”
This marked the first formal joint declaration by two key stakeholders in the Sagaing Region, who had previously operated in parallel throughout the Spring Revolution. The collaboration was interpreted as a significant step forward in Sagaing’s political evolution and has raised expectations for further political cooperation in the future.
On-Site Visit by Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw Speaker to Earthquake-Affected Areas
Between April 3–5, 2025, the Speaker of the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw, U Myint Thway, along with a delegation of local representatives, visited earthquake-affected communities in Sagaing Township. They provided clean water systems and other relief supplies.
This swift response demonstrated the growing influence of the federal resistance structure within junta-controlled areas. It also highlighted an expansion of political activities into Sagaing Township, previously dominated by military forces.
Meetings Involving Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw
No. Date Organization Subject Remarks
1 11.04.2025 FSCC Federal Governance
2 29.04.2025 Local Public Administration Groups Administrative Matters
In April 2025, the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw conducted meetings focused on jurisdictional distribution and coordination with the Federal States Coordination Committee (FSCC) and local public administrative bodies. While some of these meetings were formally acknowledged, others were held informally and not publicly disclosed.
- Protest in Butalin Township Regarding Illegal Gold Mining
On April 24, 2025, residents of Lay Myay Village in Butalin Township organized a protest against illegal gold mining in the Chindwin River. The operation was reportedly led by former MP U Myint Han Tun without authorization from the Ministry of Natural Resources under the National Unity Government (NUG).
The protest, led by local villagers, was sparked by concerns that the Butalin Township People’s Administration and People’s Defense Teams were providing protection for the unauthorized mining operation. Locals expressed fears of retaliation.
There have been frequent tensions between the People’s Defense Teams (PaKaHpa) and the People’s Administration (PaAhPha) in the township. A notable past incident involved deadly conflict in Maung Htaung Village in 2023, which the NUG government failed to adequately address.
This April 2025 protest is believed to be the first recorded instance of public demonstration specifically targeting both the PaKaHpa and PaAhPha in Butalin Township and is therefore categorized as a significant political event.
Summary
Political developments in April 2025 continued to reflect a regionally grounded, federal-unit-based trajectory. Notable instances of political influence in traditionally junta-controlled areas were observed.
Additionally, incidents of public protest against revolutionary groups—previously rare—reemerged, driven by grievances over resource mismanagement and lack of adherence to central federal guidance. These events illustrate both progress and tensions within local governance during the Spring Revolution.