Three ethnic groups from the Northern Alliance have announced a unilateral ceasefire for 70 days citing the prevention and control of Covid-19 and the facilitation of the 2020 general election as the reason. 

The Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) issued a statement on September 1 announcing the 70-day ceasefire from September 1 to November 9. 

The statement says the reason why ceasefire has frequently been announced is to facilitate the peace process among the government, the military and the ethnic armed groups, organize bilateral peace talks as quickly as possible and facilitate measures for Covid-19 prevention and control. 

Their ceasefire is also aimed at ensuring genuine ceasefire between them and the military, holding political talks, serving public interest and ensuring peace and stability in the border areas. 

The three armed groups express their willingness to receive continued Chinese assistance in furthering bilateral talks during the ceasefire period as China has always done so. 

However, they say they will defend against the military if it launches an offensive during the ceasefire period.