Activist Warns NUG: Reform Now or Risk Revolution's Collapse

Tayzar San

MANDALAY – Myanmar’s civilian opposition must urgently reform or risk watching its revolution unravel, prominent pro-democracy activist Dr Tayzar San has warned in a sharply worded critique aimed at the National Unity Government (NUG).

“The NUG needs urgent reform,” the 35-year-old declared in a widely shared social media post on Tuesday, accusing the parallel government of weak leadership and failing to unify its forces or capitalise on popular support.

Formed in the wake of the 2021 coup, the NUG has become the de facto political front of Myanmar’s resistance. But Tayzar San, a key figure in the early anti-coup protests, now says it is faltering at a critical moment.

“People still support the revolution,” he said, “but they are increasingly questioning whether the NUG has what it takes to lead it to victory.”

He criticised the NUG’s inability to consolidate its armed wings — including the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and People’s Defence Organisations (PDOs) — into a coherent force. “They remain fragmented, and without real military structure, we’re squandering our manpower advantage,” he warned.

Beyond military concerns, Tayzar San highlighted poor financial governance, especially the failure to harness natural resource revenues from resistance-controlled areas. He argued that, had these resources been properly managed since 2023, they could have funded the revolution more effectively.

His remarks also pointed to weakening discipline among some resistance units, threatening public trust. “The only real advantage we hold over the junta is the trust and support of the people. Lose that, and the revolution begins to collapse,” he cautioned.

Though NUG President Duwa Lashi La acknowledged the need for reform last year, little has changed, Tayzar San said. He stressed that legitimacy alone — once a powerful contrast to the junta’s brutality — is no longer enough.

The junta, meanwhile, continues to press ahead with forced conscription and plans for sham elections, while improving its military capabilities with foreign assistance.

Still, Tayzar San believes the revolution can succeed — but only if resistance forces act decisively now. “Reforms are not optional. They’re urgent and essential,” he said. “If we fail to act, we risk losing everything we’ve fought for.”

-2025-07-10