Myanmar government extends state of emergency for another 6 months

Since the coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been in turmoil, sparking massive protests.

Myanmar military soldiers parade during a ceremony marking the country's Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw on March 27, 2024. Photo: AFP/STR

Three and a half years later, the military government is still struggling to quell armed resistance and has recently suffered significant losses against a coalition of ethnic minority armed groups.

The military government cannot hold new elections as planned due to "terrorist acts" by its opponents, according to MRTV.

All members of the junta-run National Defense and Security Council "unanimously agreed to extend the state of emergency for another six months," MRTV said.

Last week, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) claimed to have captured the northern town of Lashio, but the military government denied the claim.

Since the coup, fighting between the military and armed groups has forced 2.7 million people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. More than 5,400 people have been killed and 27,000 arrested in the military government’s crackdown since the coup. The military government has said it will hold new elections in 2025.

Hong Hanh (according to CNA, AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chinh-quyen-myanmar-gia-han-tinh-trang-khan-cap-them-6-thang-post305791.html