The Ethnic Rejection of the NUG: Why Burma’s National Unity Government Lacks Legitimacy Among the Oppressed
The Ethnic People of Burma Continue to be Excluded by Bamar-Centric Elitists - No to Federalism | Yes to Independend States!
As Burma’s crisis deepens, many Western observers mistakenly view the National Unity Government (NUG) as a beacon of democratic resistance. But to the country’s ethnic nationalities, the NUG is not a representative government—it is a rebranded Bamar-centric elitist authority continuing decades of exclusion, domination, and denial of indigenous sovereignty.
I. A Government Without Representation
The NUG, formed in April 2021 by ousted members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), presents itself as a government-in-waiting. But beneath this veneer of inclusivity lies a centralized leadership dominated by ethnic Bamar elites.
Ethnic minorities—such as the Karen, Kachin, Chin, Shan, Mon, Karenni, and Arakanese—are treated as junior partners, advisors, or tokens, while real power remains concentrated among Burmans.
Despite public claims of unity, the NUG’s refusal to honor ethnic peoples’ right to independence is seen as a betrayal of decades-long liberation struggles. For most ethnic groups, the Bamar proposal of a “federal union” is not a compromise—it’s a trap.
II. The Todoroki Appointment: Corruption or Desperation?
The NUG’s recent appointment of John Fredric Todoroki as its U.S. envoy is perhaps the most visible example of its disregard for legitimacy and ethics.
Todoroki, a U.S. businessman, was arrested in 2019 in Mandalay Region for operating a large-scale marijuana plantation—an illegal act under Burmese law.
After being granted medical bail, he fled the country, obtained a new passport, and never returned to face justice.
Despite this, the NUG appointed him to represent the people of Burma in Washington, D.C., citing his Republican Party connections as a political asset.
For Burma’s ethnic resistance forces, this move confirms the NUG prioritizes foreign lobbying over domestic legitimacy.
III. The NUG's Vision: Unity at the Cost of Sovereignty
Ethnic nationalities in Burma have one central demand: self-determination. For many, this means full independence, not merely administrative autonomy under a centralized Bamar-led federalized system, that has failed time and time again since 1959.
Yet the NUG:
Refuses to recognize independence as valid options
Denies ethnic groups equal decision-making power
Continues to make unilateral appointments (like Todoroki) without consulting ethnic governments or armed groups
These actions expose the NUG’s true agenda: preserve a unified Burma under Bamar political dominance.
IV. Ethnic Resistance Speaks Out
“The NUG is not our government. It is the new face of the old Bamar system. We fight for independence, not federal permission.”
— Karen youth leader, name withheld for security reasons
Ethnic forces are not merely resisting the military junta—they are building parallel administrations, providing health and education services, and defending their territory. These are sovereign movements, not “insurgents.”
To lump them under the NUG’s umbrella erases their agency and struggle.
V. A Clear Call to Policymakers and Allies
STOP legitimizing the NUG as the voice of all Burma.
Instead:
Engage directly with ethnic resistance movements, not proxy leaders propped up by the NUG
Recognize the right to independence for nations like Kawthoolei, Kachinland and others.
Support humanitarian aid through neutral and ethnic-administered channels—not NUG operatives
References
The Irrawaddy – Myanmar’s NUG Names Controversial US Businessman as Envoy
The Irrawaddy – US Man Charged in Cannabis Case Fled Myanmar
Intelligence Online – Myanmar Opposition Counting on Well-Connected US Businessman
Foreign Policy – Myanmar’s Minorities Want More Than Federalism
CSIS – Myanmar’s Governance Challenges
