SUMMARY
UWSA (The United Wa State Army), sometimes also referred to as UWSP (United Wa State Party) or ‘Red Wa’, was an armed organization primarily based in north-eastern Myanmar (Burma). The group was formed by when the short-lived BNSP (Burma Nationalities Solidarity Party, sometimes reported as Burma Nationalities Unity/United Party) incorporated the forces of the WNC (Wa National Council) in November 1989. UWSA has controlled the territories referred to by the government as “Shan State Special Region No. 2”, while they themselves refer to the area as the “Wa State.” In the 2008 constitution of Myanmar, this territory is officially classified as a self-administered zone.
BNSP, the precursor of UWSA, was formed following a mutiny by the forces of the CPB (Communist Party of Burma) in early 1989. On 16 April, the CPB 12th brigade, primarily consisting of ethnic Wa, took control over the base in Mong Mao and the following day the CPB headquarters in Panghsang. The CPB leadership were forced across the border into China and a few days later, they denounced “the narrow racial policies of the CPB”. Following the mutiny, the government quickly contacted the new group offering peace. On 18 May 1989, the group signed an agreement with the Myanmar government providing an end of hostilities, that the Wa were allowed to administer the territory under its control, and the government would offer assistance for health, education, and other facilities. The Wa was also requested to help the government defeat other insurgents in the region. In July 1990, UWSA declared that it refused to fight against the KIO (Kachin Independence Organization) since they had no real grievances against them.
The breakaway forces from CPB were led by two ethnic Wa leaders, Chao Ngi Lai and Bao You Chang, who have remained in control of the organization. The group quickly set up an organization for Wa State similar to the former CPB structure. The first UWSA chairman was Chao Ngi Lao until he suffered a stroke in 1994, after which he was replaced by Bao You Chang. The territory controlled by UWSA near the border with Thailand has been administered by Wei Hsueh Kang, with the help from his brothers Wei Hsueh Long and Wei Hsueh Ying.
UWSA has been involved in the intra-state and non-state categories of UCDP organised violence.
