Dr. Sasa Resigns from NUG, Restructuring Expected Inside Shadow Government

November 27, 2025 

Dr. Sasa, one of the most internationally recognized figures within Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, has resigned from his role as Minister of International Cooperation in the National Unity Government (NUG), according to a source close to him.

The NUG has not issued an official statement explaining the move. However, people close to Dr. Sasa say he submitted his resignation letter as early as September 2025. Those familiar with the matter also noted that he will not participate in the new NUG cabinet lineup currently under planning.

A Prominent Voice for Myanmar Abroad

Since the 2021 military coup, Dr. Sasa has acted as a key diplomatic bridge between the NUG and the international community. He served as the government’s face in foreign media, spoke before international institutions, and advocated for stronger global pressure on the junta. His departure marks a significant change in the political leadership of the shadow government.

NUG Announces Organizational Restructuring

The National Unity Government currently includes 17 ministries, led by 16 ministers and 17 deputy ministers. The NUG leadership recently announced that several ministries will be reorganized and downgraded to directorate-level departments as part of a structural overhaul intended to streamline governance.

According to NUG officials, the ministries expected to be dissolved or restructured include:

• Ministry of Human Rights

• Ministry of Communications, Information and Technology, led by Minister Htin Lin Aung

• Ministry of Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs, led by Minister Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe

The restructuring comes as the NUG prepares for long-term governance challenges, shifting priorities between diplomatic engagement, administrative coordination, and ground-level resistance.

Broader Political Context

Dr. Sasa’s resignation takes place amid continued instability inside Myanmar. The military junta maintains control over major cities, while resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations dominate large areas of rural territory. The NUG has attempted to coordinate local administrations, manage international aid channels, and maintain political legitimacy in the absence of formal territorial control.

Analysts say that internal reshuffles may reflect changing priorities inside the NUG, including the need to adapt to battlefield realities and international engagement fatigue. Others caution that losing a high-profile diplomat could weaken the NUG’s external visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Dr. Sasa?
Dr. Sasa is a Myanmar medical doctor and activist. After the 2021 coup, he became an international spokesperson for the NUG, advocating sanctions and diplomatic action against the junta.

2. Why did he resign?
No official reason has been announced. Sources say he submitted his resignation in September 2025 and will not join the reorganized NUG cabinet.

3. What is being restructured inside the NUG?
The NUG plans to transform several ministries into directorates, including Human Rights; Communications, Information and Technology; and Women, Youth and Children’s Affairs.

4. Does his resignation weaken the NUG?
It may reduce the group’s international visibility, but the NUG has not stated whether a successor will be appointed or if the position will be reorganized under a new structure.