National Unity Government | |
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.svg) Cabinet ofMyanmar inexile | |
| Date formed | 16 April 2021; 4 years ago (2021-04-16) |
| People and organisations | |
| President | Duwa Lashi La (acting) |
| Prime Minister | Mahn Win Khaing Than |
| No. of ministers | 28 |
| History | |
| Outgoing election | 2020 Myanmar general election |
| Incoming formation | 2021 Myanmar coup d'état leads to formation of the NUG in exile |
| Predecessor | Acting Cabinet of the CRPH |
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Government
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Judiciary
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Exiled government
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 Myanmar portal |
TheNational Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Burmese:အမျိုးသားညီညွတ်ရေး အစိုးရ; abbreviatedNUG) is aMyanmargovernment in exile formed by theCommittee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of electedlawmakers andmembers of parliament ousted in the2021 Myanmar coup d'état. The European Parliament has recognized the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar. It includes representatives of theNational League for Democracy (the deposed ruling party of formerstate counsellorAung San Suu Kyi),ethnic minority insurgent groups, and variousminor parties.[1]
TheState Administration Council (SAC), the country's rulingmilitary junta, has declared the NUG illegal[2] and a terrorist organization,[3] while the NUG designated theTatmadaw and its affiliated organizations as terrorist organizations under Section 3 of Myanmar's Counter-Terrorism Law.[4]
In May 2021, the NUG announced the formation of a "People's Defense Force", and in September the launch of adefensive war and nationwide revolution against the military junta.[5][6] As of September 2021, the NUG had established representative offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, France, Czech Republic, Australia, and South Korea.[7] On 1 February 2022, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the NUG appointedSaw Ba Hla Thein as the first representative to Japan.[8]
Although the NUG is widely described as agovernment-in-exile,[1][9] it has not declared atemporary capital in another country or in Myanmar, and instead conducts its operations remotely and from hiding within Myanmar.[10][11]
Following the 1 February 2021 military coup, aCommittee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (the Myanmar legislature) was created by members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) who had been elected as lawmakers in the 2020 general election.[12][13] It claimed to be the legitimate legislative authority for Myanmar.[12][13] It named a set of office-holders of the National Unity Government on 16 April, which included members of the NLD, other parties and independents.[10]
The NUG immediately sought international recognition as the government of Myanmar and gained much support from the people of Myanmar.[14] When the NUG was announced, its designated minister for home affairs and immigration,Lwin Ko Latt, stated that he expected recognition by several countries soon.[15] TheInternational Trade Union Confederation called for recognition of the NUG by governments and theUnited Nations,[16] and the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a group of pro-human rights lawmakers withinASEAN countries, called on ASEAN to invite to the ASEAN Leaders Meeting on 24 April the NUG rather than representatives of the military junta.[17]
In April 2021, the NUG established Public Voice Television (PVTV) as a media outlet for the NUG, the CRPH, and NUCC.[18] PVTV hosts a series of programmes, including a satirical show called People's Voice TV, and news reports.[11][19]
On 5 May 2021, the NUG announced the formation of thePeople's Defense Force as its armed wing to launch an armed revolution against the military junta, which designated it a terrorist organization on 8 May.[5][3]
On 7 September 2021, the NUG announced the launch of a defensive war against the military junta, and urged the citizens to revolt against the junta in every corner of the country.[6]
On 6 October 2021, Malaysia's foreign ministerSaifuddin Abdullah warned the Burmese military it was prepared to hold official talks with the NUG if the military did not cooperate with the terms of ASEAN's five-point consensus.[20] On 24 October, the Foreign Affairs Ministry appointed Bo Hla Tint, who had served as a minister in theNational Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, as an ambassador to ASEAN.[21]
On 26 April 2022,Lwin Ko Latt, the Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, announced the formation of theBureau of Special Intelligence. The announcement also mentioned that due to arbitrary arrests, torture, killings, and other acts by the SAC within the country through the exercise of people's power, the Bureau of Special Intelligence was set up to build national security that would ensure the social security and socio-economic development of the people while preventing violence.[22]
On 7 September 2022, NUG acting presidentDuwa Lashi La stated that the regime had lost control of half of the country, noting that NUG had formed over 300 PDF battalions, and township public defence forces in 250 of the country's townships, while approximately 1,500 resistance fighers had died since the coup.[23]
On 6 February 2023, NUG stated that it had restored internet access in at least 15 townships where the junta had cut off access since 2021. NUG spokesmanNay Phone Latt also added that they were providing access without using the junta's infrastructure.[24] On 13 February, the NUG opened an official liaison office in Washington, DC to engage with the American government.[25]
On 17 September 2023, the NUG's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) stated it dissolved the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association (MGJEA) for providing tax revenue to theSAC.[26]
In April 2024, a significant blow to the Myanmar junta, an anti-army alliance launched drone strikes on military targets in the capital,Naypyidaw. NUG confirmed the strikes, causing casualties. The attack targeted the airport compound, about 25km southwest of military headquarters.[27]
In September 2024, theIndian Council of World Affairs invited representatives of the NUG,Arakan Army,Chin National Front, andKachin Independence Army to participate in a mid-November seminar on "Constitutionalism and Federalism".[28]
In January 2025, Lwin Ko Latt stated that the NUG will be headquartered inSagaing Region and ministerial offices would be opened in this month in the liberated areas within the region.[29]
In April 2021,Building and Wood Workers' International announced its support of NUG and called for the international community to recognise NUG's legitimacy.[30]
In September 2021, in the lead up to the 76thUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the UN had been expected to make a formal decision on recognizing the legitimate government of Myanmar.[31] Ahead of the UNGA, major global labour unions issued a statement calling for a global day of action for Myanmar, specifically calling on international governments to recognise NUG and for humanitarian assistance to be provided solely through NUG channels.[32] A behind-the-scenes compromise between China and the US prevented the Burmese military's representatives from attending the UNGA session, effectively forestalling a decision to replaceKyaw Moe Tun, the incumbent Permanent Representative of Myanmar who represents the NUG.[31][33] As of 12 April 2024, the United Nations list of Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Ministers for Foreign Affairs of all Member States continues to listWin Myint asPresident of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar andAung San Suu Kyi as Minister of Foreign Affairs.[34]
On 5 October 2021, theFrench Senate unanimously passed a resolution to formally recognize the NUG as the official government of Myanmar, and sent it to theNational Assembly for passage.[35][36][9] On 7 October 2021, theEuropean Parliament adopted a resolution that recognizes the CRPH and the NUG as the only legitimate representatives of Myanmar.[37]
Since ASEAN implemented the Five-Point Consensus with respect to the Myanmar situation in April 2021, the military-led State Administration Council has not honoured its commitment to the peace plan.[38] ASEAN member states, particularly Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with SAC's continued intransigence.[39] In May 2022, Malaysia's foreign minister,Saifuddin Abdullah, publicly called on ASEAN member states to begin informally engaging NUG.[40][41] The suggestion prompted a protest from SAC.[42] On 20 September 2022, Malaysia became the first ASEAN member state to publicly engage with the competing NUG.[43]
The NUG has called on the People's Defence Force to not target Chinese projects. Additionally, it reportedly sent congratulatory letters to Chinese Communist Party general secretaryXi Jinping after the20th CCP National Congress in October 2022.[44] In January 2024, it published a 10-point policy paper on China, describing it as "a specifically important country, not only for close, profound historical ties between the two countries but also for China's status as a global superpower". It also pledged support theone-China principle and expand economic ties.[45]
In November 2021 and December 2023, theInter-Parliamentary Union affirmed that the NUG's parent organisation, theCommittee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, is the legitimate interlocutor for Myanmar and its members are able to participate in the official business of the IPU as observers.[46]
Statements from National Unity Government (NUG) officials regarding ministerial salaries have been inconsistent. In a November 2022 interview with The Irrawaddy Burmese news, then-public relations representativeNay Phone Latt stated that NUG ministers were not receiving salaries.[47] This was echoed in May 2024 by Minister of Information Htin Lin Aung in an interview withMizzima Burmese news, where he also claimed not to be taking any salary.[48] However, a Myanmar Press Agency News article cited an ex-staff member from the NUG Prime Minister's Office who claimed that a salary budget line was included for the prime minister.[49]
The NUG has faced several accusations of financial corruption within its administration since 2025. For instance, in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions, the NUG arrested and charged several members of the People's Defense Force (PDF), the tax office, and the Committee for Natural Resource Conservation for corruption and financial abuse.[50]
Despite the NUG announcing it had raised over $132 million by 2023 to fund the resistance against the military junta,[51] many PDF forces operating under NUG command have reportedly struggled to secure arms and ammunition. These forces often rely on regional support and online donations, with some even incurring debt to purchase necessary supplies.[52]
On 22 November 2025, Kyipyar, the permanent secretary of the NUG prime minister's office, was accused by twelve former staff members of misusing funds, grants, nepotism, and international support for personal use, in addition to abusing office staff.[49][53] Several NUG leaders were accused of being close to Kyipyar.[54] Kyipyar dismissed the accusations as a personal attack and "defamation". The NUG released a statement announcing an inquiry into the case and temporarily suspended her position during the investigation.[55][56]
In March 2024, pro-State Security and Peace Commission junta sources reported that Phyu Phyu Thin, a member of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), was accused by Sithu Maung, the 2020 People's Parliament Representative for Pabedan Township, of failing to provide proper accounting for one million of the nine million in donation funds raised through aGoFundMe platform by the Citizen of Burma Award organization in 2021. NUG Minister of Planning, Finance and InvestmentTin Tun Naing apologized for the delay in providing the account statement in 2021, but no follow-up was subsequently provided.[57]
Pro-military sources reported that accusations have also been leveled against NUG fundraiser and social media influencerPencilo, along with some NUG and CRPH leaders, alleging the misuse of revolutionary funds and engagement in money laundering. These claims specifically reference the alleged purchase of expensive real estate and houses in the United States within a few years of their arrival and application for asylum.[58]
The NUG has been criticized on social media for perceived conflicts of interest in its formation. These criticisms include many CRPH representatives simultaneously holding positions as NUG ministers and deputy ministers.[54] NUG's Planning, Finance and Investment minister Tin Tun Naing also took the position as the chairman of the Interim Central Bank of NUG in July 2023, creating a conflicting interest.[59] Accusations have also been made that higher-ranking administrative and PDF positions were given to National League for Democracy (NLD) members and social media influencers without merit.[54] Additionally, there have been accusations of nepotism, such as the case of the permanent secretary of the NUG prime minister's office, who allegedly employed her husband and two nephews in high-ranking positions within the office.[49]
In 2023, following the Myanmar military junta's failure to act on repeated Chinese requests to suppress cross-border fraud centers, China reportedly gave tacit approval to the resistance's Operation 1027.[60] In January 2024, the NUG issued its first formal policy statement on China, vowing to safeguard Chinese economic investments and supporting Beijing’s "One China principle," which asserts its sovereign claim over Taiwan.[61] This statement drew criticism from Taiwan, a long-time supporter of Myanmar's pro-democracy movement, which expressed dismay that the NUG chose to ignore understanding and supporting Taiwan's recognition.[62]
The NUG has faced widespread criticism for delaying court cases against PDF leaders and NUG members, often failing to reach a conclusion or follow-up action, and for ignoring complaints without taking any action.[54][63] While the NUG has claimed to be taking action regarding dozens of complaints against its members and the PDF, it has not provided further details.[64]
In 2025, a case involving corruption and murder by the Wetlet PDF administration was allegedly neglected by the NUG, forcing the victim's family to flee for their safety.[65]
A case involving a former NLD representative and current Kantbalu PDF administration leader, who was accused of raping an arrested female in 2023, was delayed until media attention in 2025 brought the issue back to light, though without significant progress.[66]
In 2023, an executive member of the NLD party secretary for Yangon Region's Twante Township was accused of assaulting a child at a safe house for Myanmar dissidents in Maesot.[67] The suspect escaped from NUG's detainment in Maesot. Though the NUG issued an arrest warrant from the Kalay township court in the Sagaing region in 2024,[68] the suspect was not rearrested. In September 2024, a petition signed by over 1,000 people and several organizations was sent to the NUG, urging it to take active and effective action on the case,[69] but there has been no follow-up since.
In March 2022, the Union Defense & Liberation Alliance (UDLA) accused the Yinmabin PDF under NUG command and its leader, Bo Than Ma Ni, of murdering 21 civilians in 2021 and committing several robberies. Bo Than Ma Ni admitted to killing 10 people.[70][71] The NUG released a statement promising to open a case against the murder and take action against the suspects.[72]
NUG ministers have repeatedly promised a swift victory against the military junta since 2021, projecting an end to the revolution within a few months to a year, but have failed to deliver on these timelines.[73][74][75][76] Pro-democracy activist,Tayzar San criticized the NUG for sluggishly implementing reforms. He lamented alleged financial mismanagement and failure to unite PDF and PDO militias into a coordinated force.[77]
In December 2024, a video circulated on social media showingYe Belu, the leader of the Ye Township-based resistance group Ye Belu Special Operation Force (SOF), a unit operating under the NUG, allegedly decapitating a suspected pro-military informer.[78] In response,Aung Myo Min, the NUG Minister of Human Rights, stated that the NUG would take strong action against such a violation.[79] Additionally, the Ministry of Defense's Deputy Permanent Secretary,Maung Maung Swe, announced that a tribunal of inquiry would be formed to investigate the matter.[80] However, no further action was publicly reported following these statements.
According to statements fromTatmadawprisoners of war, POWs charged with crimes by the court systems of NUG and other anti-junta forces are not providedlegal counsel during trials, nor are provided sufficient opportunities to defend themselves against accusations.[81]
In May 2022, the NUG announced it had raised $42 million USD from fundraising activities, with the majority of revenues spent on weapons and support for civil servants on strike.[82][83] It has launched a number of successful initiatives, including the sale ofSpring Revolution treasury bonds, an online lottery, and the sale of military-linked land and properties. Most NUG donors live abroad, and limited evidence suggests theBurmese diaspora in Singapore is the primary source of funding.[84] The NUG has also encouraged Burmese-based companies and taxpayers to redirect taxes to the NUG, instead of the military regime.[84] The NUG has also launched NUGPay, a parallel digital currency system.[84]
In May 2022, the NUG raised $10 million from the sale of Min Aung Hlaing's Yangon home onInya Lake Road.[84][83][85] In October 2022, the NUG raised $9.3 million USD during an auction of land in Mandalay'sPatheingyi Township illegally seized by the military.[85] In January 2023, the NUG raised $10 million in 18 hours, after a pre-sale of apartments on military-owned land in Yangon.[86] In February 2023, the NUG raised $4 million after an entrepreneur bought rights to a gem mine inMogok Township.[87]
Since July 2024,People's Defense Force units based inLoikaw Township andYwangan Township are raising funds via the sale ofRebels-branded (Burmese:သူပုန်,MLCTS:suupone:) green tea. The tea is sold in Burmese-diaspora owned stores and restaurants in Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia, the UAE, South Korea, and Singapore.[88]
| Office | Name | Portfolio | Term in office | Political Party | Source | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Took office | Left office | Days | |||||
| President | Win Myint § | Head of State | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | [89] |
| Vice President and Acting President | Duwa Lashi La | Deputy Head of State | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Kachin National Consultative Assembly / Kachin Political Interim Coordination Team | |
| State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs | Aung San Suu Kyi § | Overall leader | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Prime Minister | Mahn Win Khaing Than | Head of Government | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Office | Name | Term in office | Political Party | Source | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Took office | Left office | Days | ||||
| Minister of Commerce | Khin Ma Ma Myo | 25 August 2021 | Incumbent | 1554 | Independent | [89] |
| Minister of Communications, Information & Technology | Htin Linn Aung | 5 June 2021 | Incumbent | 1635 | Independent | |
| Minister of Defence | Yee Mon | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Defence | Nai Kao Rot (Colonel Naing Kaung Yuat) | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | New Mon State Party | |
| Minister of Education | Dr.Zaw Wai Soe | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Independent | |
| Minister of Health | ||||||
| Deputy Minister of Education | Ja Htoi Pan | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Kachin Political Interim Coordination Team | |
| Dr.Sai Khaing Myo Tun | 3 May 2021 | Incumbent | 1668 | Independent | ||
| Deputy Minister of Health | Dr.Shwe Pon | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Minister of Electricity and Energy | Soe Thura Tun | 5 June 2021 | Incumbent | 1635 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy | Maw Htun Aung | 26 July 2021 | Incumbent | 1584 | Shan Nationalities League for Democracy | |
| Minister of Federal Union Affairs | Dr.Lian Hmung Sakhong | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Chin National Front / Interim Chin National Consultative Council | |
| Deputy Minister of Federal Union Affairs | Chit Tun | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Karenni National People's Liberation Front | |
| Maing Win Htoo | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Ta'ang National Party | ||
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | Zin Mar Aung | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs | Moe Zaw Oo | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration | Lwin Ko Latt | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration | Khu Hte Bu | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Karenni National Progressive Party | |
| Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management | Win Myat Aye | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management | Naw Htoo Phaw | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Independent | |
| Minister of Human Rights | Aung Myo Min | 3 May 2021 | Incumbent | 1668 | Independent | |
| Deputy Minister of Human Rights | Ba Ham Htan | 3 May 2021 | Incumbent | 1668 | Kayan New Land Party | |
| Aung Kyaw Moe | 1 July 2023 | Incumbent | 2 years, 148 days | Independent | ||
| Minister of International Cooperation | Dr.Sasa | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of International Cooperation | Hkaung Naw | 3 May 2021 | 6 November 2022 | Independent | ||
| Deputy Minister of International Cooperation | David Gum Awng | 6 November 2022 | Incumbent | 3 years, 25 days | Independent | |
| Minister of Labour | Nai Suwanna | 3 May 2021 | Incumbent | 1668 | Former member ofMon Unity Party | |
| Deputy Minister of Labour | Kyaw Ni | 3 May 2021 | Incumbent | 1668 | All Burma Federation of Trade Unions | |
| Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation | Dr.Hkalen Tu Hkawng | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Independent | |
| Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation | Khun Bedu | 16 April 2021 | 28 July 2023 | 832 | Kayan National Party | |
| Khun Saw Hpu | 28 July 2023[90] | Incumbent | 853 | |||
| Minister of Justice | Thein Oo | 5 June 2021 | Incumbent | 1635 | Independent | |
| Minister of Planning, Finance and Investment | Tin Tun Naing | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Planning, Finance and Investment | Min Zayar Oo | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Former member ofMon Unity Party | |
| Minister of Women, Youths and Children Affairs | Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | National League for Democracy | |
| Deputy Minister of Women, Youths and Children Affairs | Ei Thinzar Maung | 16 April 2021 | Incumbent | 1685 | Former member ofDemocratic Party for a New Society | |
| Auditor General of the Union | Toe Aung | 26 July 2021 | Incumbent | 1584 | Independent | |
