Myanmar’s military junta has announced an extension of a post-earthquake truce, following the expiration of a previous humanitarian ceasefire that was allegedly disregarded through ongoing air strikes. The original truce was declared after a devastating earthquake in late March resulted in nearly 3,800 fatalities and left tens of thousands of residents displaced.
While the truce has been extended previously, conflict monitors report that hostilities have persisted, including frequent air strikes. In a statement issued by the junta’s information team, it was announced that the armistice, which ended on May 31, will now continue until June 30. This extension is aimed at facilitating rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the areas impacted by the earthquake.
According to the junta’s statement, the government is actively involved in restoring damaged public facilities, residential areas, and transport infrastructure. The extension of the ceasefire is also presented as a means to prepare for “a free and fair multi-party democracy general election.” The junta chief had previously indicated that an election is scheduled for January 2024, marking the first electoral process in the nation since the military coup in February 2021.
The junta’s announcement further emphasized that it would respond firmly to any aggressive actions from various ethnic armed groups and anti-coup fighters. The timing of the announcement coincided with comments from Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan during a regional meeting, where he advocated for the extension and broader application of the ceasefire beyond the currently affected regions. Malaysia holds the rotating chair of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has so far struggled to mediate a resolution to Myanmar’s ongoing conflict following the ousting of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
