Du Wa Lashi La: Acting President of Myanmar’s National Unity
Du Wa Lashi La is a prominent figure in Myanmar’s post-2021 pro-democracy movement, serving as Acting President of the National Unity Government (NUG)—the opposition administration formed in response to the military coup of February 2021. As a civilian leader operating largely from exile and underground networks, he represents a parallel political authority that claims legitimacy from the results of Myanmar’s 2020 general election.
His role places him at the center of Myanmar’s political struggle, symbolizing resistance to military rule and advocacy for democratic governance, federalism, and inclusive representation of ethnic nationalities.
Early Life and Background
Du Wa Lashi La was born in 1969 in Kachin State, northern Myanmar. He is ethnically Kachin, one of Myanmar’s major ethnic nationalities, and his background has shaped his political worldview, particularly his emphasis on federal democracy and ethnic equality.
Before entering national politics, he worked primarily as a lawyer and community figure, gaining experience in legal advocacy and civic engagement. His professional background contributed to his later focus on constitutional reform, rule of law, and democratic legitimacy.
Entry into Politics
Election to Parliament
Du Wa Lashi La entered formal politics through electoral participation. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2020 general election, which was widely regarded as free and fair by domestic and international observers.
The election delivered a decisive victory to the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its allies, including ethnic party representatives. However, the results were never implemented due to the military takeover in early 2021.
Formation of the National Unity Government
Response to the 2021 Coup
On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military seized power, detaining civilian leaders and overturning the electoral process. In response, elected lawmakers, political representatives, and civil society figures formed the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), which later announced the establishment of the National Unity Government (NUG).
The NUG positioned itself as the legitimate government of Myanmar, claiming authority based on the 2020 election mandate.
Appointment as Acting President
Du Wa Lashi La was appointed Acting President of the National Unity Government in April 2021, following the detention of the country’s elected president. In this role, he became the symbolic and constitutional head of the opposition government.
Role and Responsibilities as Acting President
Leadership in Exile
As Acting President, Du Wa Lashi La operates under extraordinary conditions:
Without territorial control over the state
Facing constant security threats
Relying on digital, diplomatic, and decentralized networks
Despite these constraints, he has played a key role in coordinating the NUG’s political messaging, international engagement, and internal governance structures.
Advocacy for Federal Democracy
One of Du Wa Lashi La’s core priorities is the establishment of a federal democratic system. Drawing from Myanmar’s ethnic diversity and long-standing grievances, he has emphasized:
Equality among ethnic nationalities
Decentralized governance
Abolition of military dominance in politics
This vision aligns closely with the aspirations of many ethnic organizations and resistance groups.
Relationship With Resistance Movements
Coordination With Ethnic Organizations
Under Du Wa Lashi La’s leadership, the NUG has sought cooperation with Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and local resistance forces. While coordination varies across regions, his role has been to promote unity and shared objectives rather than centralized command.
Position on Armed Resistance
The NUG acknowledges the existence of armed resistance against military rule but frames it as self-defense rather than aggression. Du Wa Lashi La has repeatedly stated that any future political settlement must be based on civilian authority and democratic consent.
International Engagement and Diplomacy
Seeking Global Recognition
One of the Acting President’s most challenging tasks has been securing international recognition for the NUG. While formal diplomatic recognition remains limited, the NUG has:
Engaged with foreign governments and parliaments
Addressed international forums and media
Built support among diaspora communities
Du Wa Lashi La’s leadership has helped position the NUG as a credible political alternative rather than merely a protest movement.
Human Rights Advocacy
He has consistently highlighted:
Human rights violations
Humanitarian crises
Displacement and civilian suffering
These efforts aim to maintain international attention on Myanmar’s situation amid competing global crises.
Challenges and Constraints
Du Wa Lashi La faces significant limitations:
Lack of direct control over territory
Military repression inside Myanmar
Limited resources and formal recognition
Despite these obstacles, his leadership remains a focal point for opposition coordination and political legitimacy.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Although Myanmar’s political future remains uncertain, Du Wa Lashi La’s role is already historically significant. He represents:
The civilian mandate disrupted by the 2021 coup
Ethnic minority leadership at the national level
A sustained challenge to military monopoly over power
His leadership underscores a shift toward inclusive, federal political thinking in Myanmar’s opposition movement.
Why Du Wa Lashi La Matters Today
Understanding Du Wa Lashi La is essential to understanding:
The National Unity Government’s structure
The civilian resistance to military rule
The evolving vision for a federal democratic Myanmar
He symbolizes continuity of electoral legitimacy and a broader reimagining of national leadership beyond military dominance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Du Wa Lashi La?
He is the Acting President of Myanmar’s National Unity Government formed after the 2021 military coup.
2. What is the National Unity Government (NUG)?
The NUG is an opposition government formed by elected lawmakers and representatives claiming legitimacy from the 2020 election.
3. Why is Du Wa Lashi La called Acting President?
He serves in an acting capacity because the elected president was detained following the coup.
4. Does Du Wa Lashi La control Myanmar?
No. The NUG operates without territorial control and functions as a parallel civilian authority.
5. What political vision does he promote?
He advocates for democracy, federalism, ethnic equality, and civilian governance.
6. Is Du Wa Lashi La internationally recognized?
Formal recognition is limited, but he engages actively with international actors and diaspora communities.
