- Myanmar junta extends state of emergency again
Three and a half years after their coup, Myanmar's military junta has extended the state of emergency in the crisis-stricken country for another six months. In an official statement, the generals cited the ongoing instability and unrest in the country as the reason for this decision. The much-anticipated parliamentary elections are thus delayed once again.
The military seized power on February 1, 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Elections that were initially promised have since been repeatedly postponed, with the military citing violence in the country as the reason.
Extension defies the constitution
The state of emergency was first imposed after the coup and has been repeatedly extended since. According to the constitution, which was enacted under a military government in 2008, the maximum duration is two years.
Since the coup, Myanmar has been plunged into chaos and violence. The junta is suppressing resistance with brutal force. The country is almost completely isolated internationally. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi (79) is in prison, serving a long sentence for numerous alleged offenses.
Junta losing control
In various parts of the country, ethnic groups, some with ties to neighboring China, are fighting against the generals - with increasing success. According to experts, the junta has already lost control in many areas.
Meanwhile, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is consolidating his power: just last week, he took on the additional role of interim president. The previously acting president, Myint Swe, who was vice president in Suu Kyi's government, had to step down for health reasons, the military council announced.
The extension of the state of emergency by the military junta defies the two-year limit set by the Myanmar constitution. Despite the crisis and instability in the country, the delay of the parliamentary elections further fuels tensions and unrest.
