Kawthoolei: The Unyielding Quest for Freedom in Burma
Saw Maku Dee
This will provide content highlights of the paper “Kawthoolei: A Nation Forged in the Crucible of War” by Saw Maku Dee
For over 70 years, the Karen people of Burma (Myanmar) have waged one of the world’s longest-running struggles for self-determination. Their dream? A nation called Kawthoolei—a land of peace, justice, and autonomy. In his compelling and deeply researched paper, Kawthoolei: A Nation Forged in the Crucible of War, Dr. Mark Dee chronicles this journey of resistance, resilience, and hope.
The Meaning Behind Kawthoolei
Kawthoolei, meaning "land without darkness" (for some “land without evil”) in the S'gaw Karen language, is more than a name—it’s a symbol. It embodies the Karen people's longing for a homeland where they can live free from oppression, cultural erasure, and systemic violence.
This vision began even before Burma gained independence from Britain. Despite the Karen's loyalty during WWII, they were denied a promised autonomous state—setting the stage for decades of betrayal and bloodshed (Dee, 2025).
From Promises to War
The post-independence Burmese government quickly rejected federalism and sidelined ethnic minority rights. In response, the Karen National Union (KNU) formed its armed wing, the Karen National Defence Organization (KNDO), and later, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). On June 14, 1949, the KNU declared the government of Kawthoolei, igniting a war that would span generations.
The Karen revolution was guided by four immovable principles of their leader Saw Ba U Gyi:
“Surrender is out of the question.
The recognition of the Karen country must be completed.
We shall retain our arms.
We shall decide our own political destiny.”
These have become sacred tenets for Karen fighters to this day.
Governance Amid War
Despite brutal offensives from the Myanmar military—including scorched-earth “Four Cuts” campaigns—the KNU governed large swaths of southeastern Burma. They ran schools, clinics, and justice systems, proving that even under siege, the Karen could self-govern.
After decades of losses, including the fall of their base at Manerplaw in 1995, the KNU shifted from seeking full independence to advocating for a federal democratic union within Burma—one that protects ethnic rights (Dee, 2025).
The Rise of the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA)
The story takes a twist in recent years. In 2022, General Nerdah Bo Mya—son of legendary Karen leader General Bo Mya—broke from the KNU to form the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA). The move followed a 2021 incident where KNDO troops, under Nerdah’s command, allegedly executed 25 unarmed men suspected of spying. The KNU launched an investigation; Nerdah refused to cooperate and was dismissed.
Nerdah's supporters argue the KTLA is the “true revolution”—a rejection of what they see as the KNU’s overly bureaucratic and compromising ways. The KTLA established its own Kawthoolei Government on July 17, 2022, declaring an independent Karen nation (Dee, 2025).
A Pivotal Choice for the Karen
Now, two competing visions for Kawthoolei exist:
KNU’s Vision: A constituent state within a future federal Myanmar, inclusive of all ethnic groups.
KTLA’s Vision: A fully independent Kawthoolei, governed by Karen fighters with no compromise.
The Karen people stand at a critical crossroads. Will they unify under one government—or continue splintered, even as they battle the same enemy?
The Dream Lives On
Whether as a federal state or an independent nation, Kawthoolei remains a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the Karen people's unwavering pursuit of freedom and dignity.
Their story is not just one of war, but of determination, community, and a vision for a better future. As the struggle continues, so does the hope that one day, Kawthoolei will no longer be just a dream—but a reality.
Article Link:
Dee, M. (2025). Kawthoolei: A Nation Forged in the Crucible of War. Government of Kawthoolei.
