Myanmar Crisis Deepens: US Expresses Concern Over State of Emergency Extension

On Monday, the United States expressed deep concern over Myanmar’s ruling junta’s decision to extend the country’s state of emergency for six more months. The extension, announced early in the day, further delays promised elections and exacerbates the violence and instability engulfing the Southeast Asian nation.

U.S. Expresses Grave Concern

In a press statement, U.S. Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed “deep concern” over the Myanmar military regime’s extension of the state of emergency. The extension of the state of emergency coincides with a worsening situation of violence and instability in the country, which is alarming to the United States.

“Since overthrowing a democratically elected government two and a half years ago, the military regime has carried out hundreds of airstrikes, burned down tens of thousands of homes, and displaced more than 1.6 million people,” said Miller.

The Department spokesperson further discussed that the military regime in the country, formerly known as Burma, has been using brutal tactics and ignoring the democratic aspirations of the Burmese, which has led to a prolonged crisis in the country. Washington is committed to working with its partners and allies to hold the regime accountable for its actions, using political and economic tools to do so. As well as calling on the regime to end its violence and atrocities, release those who have been unjustly detained, and allow unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.

Today the Burma military regime extended its state of emergency as it continues its violent repression against the people of Burma. We urge the regime to end the violence and pursue a peaceful and just resolution to the crisis. https://t.co/wHgmjcJ8Jn

— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) August 1, 2023

Miller also emphasizes in the statement the importance of seeking justice for survivors of the regime’s brutality and engaging with all stakeholders to pursue a peaceful, just, and democratic future for Burma.

Overall, the statement reflects America’s commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and stability in Myanmar and its willingness to work with others to achieve these goals.

The Unraveling Crisis: Delays and Violence

Myanmar’s junta chief hinted early last month at the possibility of further extending the state of emergency in response to the ongoing unrest. The country has been grappling with deadly violence since the coup that ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s government over two years ago. The brutal crackdown on dissent has led to widespread fighting and severe economic consequences.

The military regime’s actions have since then resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and injuries as it clashes with anti-coup fighters across the country. The junta has resorted to airstrikes and displacement, demonstrating its disregard for the democratic aspirations of the people.

Fresh Elections Delayed As Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

The junta’s repeated extensions of the state of emergency raise concerns about its commitment to holding fresh elections.

Myanmar’s military-drafted 2008 constitution mandates fresh elections within six months of lifting the state of emergency, but promises of elections in August have been further delayed.

The crisis has been devastating, with over 782 people killed in “terror acts” since the start of the year alone. The violence and instability have caused immense suffering to the people of Myanmar, prompting international outrage and calls for accountability.

After her government’s overthrow, former leader Aung San Suu Kyi faced trials widely criticized as a sham, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Thailand’s foreign minister recently met with Suu Kyi, the first known meeting with a foreign envoy since the coup, underscoring the significance of her status even in detention.

🇲🇲 The reduction of Aung San Suu Kyi's prison sentence comes as #Myanmar's ruling junta also decided to extend the country's state of emergency for six months.

The regime has also been plunging the country deeper into violence and instability.

Hear more from @WritingByMatt 👇 pic.twitter.com/3wzja7kePX

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) August 1, 2023

International Response: Holding the Regime Accountable

The United States is determined to hold the regime accountable for its brutality and is working with allies to apply political and economic tools to exert pressure.

Sanctions have already been imposed on Myanmar’s Defense Ministry and two regime-controlled banks, highlighting the international community’s stance against the military’s actions.

The situation in Myanmar has also drawn attention from the United Nations, with a fact-finding mission urging charges of genocide against Myanmar’s commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing.
The mission documented evidence of arson, extrajudicial killings, and rape during the military’s campaign against the Rohingya in 2017. The Southeast Asian nation, however, denies the allegations, asserting its actions were in response to Rohingya insurgent attacks.

Nevertheless, the crisis in Myanmar has had detrimental effects on the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and carries significant consequences for stability at both regional and global levels. The extension of the state of emergency further intensifies the challenges faced by the country and heightens international concerns over its future.

Yet Another Mess To Urgently Sort Through

As the world watches the unfolding developments in Myanmar, there is a collective hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, a restoration of democracy, and an end to the suffering endured by the people of Myanmar. The international community remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting efforts that uphold democratic principles, human rights, and stability in the region.