Myanmar’s military coup leaders have made a surprising call for their opponents to put down their weapons and engage in political dialogue. The State Administration Council (SAC) urged ethnic armed groups and People’s Defence Forces (PDF) to abandon the “terrorist way” and start talks. This move was swiftly rejected by the National Unity Government (NUG), which was formed after the military crackdown on protests.
The SAC, which seized power in 2021, has faced significant pressure from armed groups that have taken control of parts of the country. The military has been accused of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes since the coup, with thousands of deaths and detentions reported.
The SAC has promised new elections but has been criticized for excluding opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. Civil society groups have warned that the military’s elections are a sham and will not solve the crisis caused by the coup.
Progressive Voice, a rights-based advocacy group, stated that the junta is on the brink of collapse and the elections are a desperate attempt for false legitimacy. This tactic, reminiscent of past military regimes, has been met with skepticism by international observers.
Despite the SAC’s efforts to present dialogue as part of its election preparations, many remain skeptical of its intentions. The international community continues to condemn the military’s actions and support the return to civilian rule in Myanmar.
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