Myanmar Junta Extends Ceasefire Amid Allegations of Violations

Yangon: Myanmar's military junta has extended a post-earthquake ceasefire that critics argue is merely symbolic, as efforts to aid disaster victims continue to face challenges. The junta, which took control in a 2021 coup and is engaged in conflict with multiple resistance groups, initially declared a ceasefire from April 2 to April 30 following the March 28 earthquake. The magnitude 7.7 quake severely impacted the central Sagaing and Mandalay regions, resulting in over 3,700 deaths. According to Radio Free Asia, the military government announced the extension of the ceasefire until the end of May, citing the need to rebuild from the earthquake's destruction and to promote the country's economic and political stability. Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, made a rare foreign visit to Bangkok in mid-April, where he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The discussions focused on humanitarian aid, with Anwar stressing the significance of prolonging the ceasefire to ensure aid delivery and a return to normalcy. Critics argue that engaging in such discussions risks legitimizing the junta, which has persisted with military operations despite its ceasefire declarations. ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights have voiced concerns that interacting with the junta without demanding concrete steps towards ending violence or restoring democracy could send a perilous message. Backlash from Myanmar's exiled civilian National Unity Government (NUG) has followed the ceasefire extension, with the NUG accusing the junta of continuing aerial and heavy artillery assaults. The NUG reports that junta forces carried out 282 airstrikes between March 28 and May 4, resulting in 276 civilian deaths and 456 injuries, including 31 children killed and 45 injured. Sagaing region, the epicenter of both the 7.7 quake and rebel activity, has suffered the most, with 73 airstrikes killing 89 people and injuring 135, as reported by the NUG. Mandalay has als o suffered from both the natural disaster and junta actions. A resistance group, the Taang National Liberation Army, and allied militias have stated they will not relinquish newly acquired territories despite pressure from China and the junta. Approximately 61 airstrikes have resulted in 65 deaths and 118 injuries. Meanwhile, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Arakan Army, Taang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, has also declared a ceasefire throughout May.