[8][9] On 7 March 2012, the government of Myanmar signed a ceasefire agreement with the KNPP, in the presence of international observers from the UN High Commission for Refugees, British Council.

[10] The British government recognised and guaranteed the independence of the Karenni States in a treaty with the Burmese King Mindon Min in 1875, by which both parties recognised the area as belonging to neither to the Konbaung dynasty (Kingdom of Burma) nor to the British Empire.

It also gave the possibility of secession from the union after 10 years if the state's leaders were not satisfied with the central government.

[9] The KNPP have also fought left-wing groups such as the Kayan New Land Party (KNLP), and the Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF), both of which are now allied with the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces).

Beginning on 21 May 2021, the Karenni Army, along with their newly constituted ally the Karenni People's Defense Force, engaged in battles with the Tatmadaw across several towns in Kayah State, leaving dozens dead.