Arakan Army Holds Virtual Summit with Opposition Steering Council Amid Myanmar Junta Outreach to Major EAOs

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) held a high-level online summit with the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) on July 23, as Myanmar's military junta intensifies diplomatic outreach to major Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). The virtual meeting comes as the military regime ramps up talks with several northern EAOs, including the United Wa State Army (UWSA). The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has already dispatched delegates to the capital, Naypyidaw, for discussions, while the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and UWSA are reportedly preparing for visits in August. While the TNLA and MNDAA—fellow members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance behind the devastating Operation 1027 offensive—move toward engagement with the junta, the Arakan Army continues its active military campaign against regime forces across Rakhine State. During the hour-long session, SCEF leaders and the ULA/AA exchanged views on the political landscape, strategic coordination, and emergency flood relief in Rakhine State. "This was the inaugural meeting between SCEF and the AA," said a source familiar with the talks. "As the junta attempts to peel key EAOs away from the resistance, SCEF and the AA discussed political and military alignment as well as future cooperation." The summit was attended by SCEF rotating chair Khu Oo Reh, National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann, and ULA/AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing. In addition to political discussions, both sides addressed humanitarian coordination for flood-affected communities in Rakhine State. Days before the summit, the NUG contributed 150,000 Chinese RMB (approx. $21,000 USD / 100 million MMK) to the ULA/AA for emergency relief efforts. Formed in March 2026, SCEF brings together the NUG, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and four major EAOs: the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), Karen National Union (KNU), Chin National Front (CNF), and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP). Ahead of the session with the ULA/AA, SCEF also held bilateral talks with Mon, Pa-O, and other regional resistance groups.