Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met with a special envoy sent by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on January 11, 2024. ASEAN, which promotes peace efforts in the country, is currently chaired by Laos. Myanmar has witnessed a relentless cycle of violence since the military coup in 2021. ASEAN has called on the junta leaders to stop the fighting and implement the “five-point solution”.[i]
Myanmar’s Junta calls the parallel National Unity Government (NUG), made up of ousted regime forces, “terrorists” and refuses to engage in dialogue with it. Laos has not commented on the meeting despite taking over the ASEAN presidency. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos has not yet responded to a request for comment.[ii]
Violence has intensified in recent months, particularly as ethnic separatist organizations in the north of the country have stepped up their efforts to oust the Junta from their territory. These forces have even seized an important border trading town. The Myanmar Army is battling on several fronts with pro-democracy militias that formed after its violent crackdown on protests across the country.[iii]
Generals in the Myanmar Army were banned from attending high-level ASEAN meetings. Nevertheless, ASEAN maintained relations with the Myanmar junta through the Office of the Special Representative. The Min Aung Hlaing administration announced that it was “implementing ASEAN’s five-point consensus in accordance with the State Administration Council’s roadmap”.[iv]
The Myanmar Army announced their own five-point road map immediately after seizing power. This plan differs sharply from the ASEAN plan and focuses on establishing its own electoral body to organize a new election.[v]
ASEAN’s efforts to intervene in the crisis in Myanmar play a critical role for regional stability. However, Myanmar Junta Leader Min Aung Hlaing tends not to be committed to ASEAN’s efforts. ASEAN’s ability to deal with this situation is being tested in terms of regional diplomacy, especially at a time of deepening conflict in Myanmar.
The situation in Myanmar reflects a process of intensified ethnic conflict and internal division of the country, with the junta government maintaining a hard line against pro-democracy movements. This is among the factors complicating ASEAN’s resolution process.
Laos’ role in this process as ASEAN chair is noteworthy. The lack of media coverage of ASEAN Representative Alounkeo Kittikhoun’s meetings with the Myanmar Junta Leader raises questions about Laos’ position on this issue. Laos’ silence on these meetings could signal potential challenges to unity and cohesion within ASEAN.
Myanmar Junta Leader Min Aung Hlaing’s refusal to initiate dialogue despite these peace efforts has deepened the conflict in the country. This makes it difficult for ASEAN to find an effective solution to the crisis in Myanmar. The failure to include other stakeholders, such as the National Unity Government and ethnic armed groups, in direct negotiation processes constitutes an obstacle to achieving peace. It is important for ASEAN to include all parties in an inclusive dialogue process for a sustainable solution.
[i] “ASEAN Special Envoy Meets Myanmar Junta Chief”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/asean-special-envoy-meets-myanmar-junta-chief-2024-01-11/, (Date of Acsession: 11.01.2024).
[ii] “ASEAN Special Envoy Meets Myanmar Junta Chief”, SWI, https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/asean-special-envoy-meets-myanmar-junta-chief/49117350, (Date of Acsession 11.01.2024).
[iii] “Myanmar Leader Meets With ASEAN Special Envoy”, Barron’s, https://www.barrons.com/news/myanmar-leader-meets-with-asean-special-envoy-74480c2b, (Date of Acsession: 11.01.2024).
[iv] Same pleace.
[v] Same pleace.
