Following the surrender of his forces in Rakhine State last week, Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has renewed calls for unwavering unity within the military and between the armed forces and the public.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for female officer cadets in Hmawbi Township, Yangon, on Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing stressed the importance of military solidarity just days after his regime suffered significant losses. These included the fall of the Western Command headquarters in Rakhine’s Ann town and the towns of Mindat and Kanpetlet in Chin State.

“As long as unity prevails within military units, no one can shatter or disrupt them,” the junta leader said, as quoted by state-controlled media, underscoring the significance of cohesion within the armed forces.

The call for unity comes amid mounting criticism from military sympathizers over Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership. His regime has faced a series of humiliating defeats, including the capture of high-ranking officers and the loss of strategic locations. Despite these setbacks, the junta chief has continued attending national ceremonies, including recent sports festival events, which has sparked further frustration among his supporters.

After the loss of Lashio and the Northeastern Command in August, Min Aung Hlaing faced backlash for prioritizing cultural events, such as traditional performing arts competitions, over pressing military matters.

Critics within the military and its supporters have slammed the junta’s efforts to project normalcy through grand ceremonies, calling them ineffective. They are urging for increased support and reinforcements for soldiers on the frontlines.

Adding to the turmoil, Min Aung Hlaing’s recent leadership reshuffle has drawn skepticism. Loyalist Lieutenant-General Kyaw Swar Lin was promoted to the No. 3 position in the military hierarchy, replacing Chief of General Staff General Maung Aung Aye. The latter was reassigned as defense minister, while his predecessor, Tin Aung San, was transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office. Critics have pointed out Kyaw Swar Lin’s lack of combat experience, questioning the rationale behind his promotion.

Reports from Chin State indicate that over 150 junta soldiers and police officers surrendered last week, amid growing influence from “watermelons” — a term for military personnel secretly working for anti-regime groups. Internal dissent and informants are believed to have played a key role in the regime’s recent losses.

In light of these developments, Min Aung Hlaing has issued a desperate appeal for unity within the ranks. He urged soldiers and their families to engage in public welfare and disaster relief efforts as part of an attempt to regain public support.

BOB Post