Myanmar's ruling military has extended the state of emergency for another six months effective January 31, 2025, as it continues to grapple with widespread armed resistance following its tumultuous coup nearly four years ago. The junta's action marks another significant moment backdated to February 1, 2021, when it seized power, triggering chaos and civil war throughout the country.
The extension was unanimously approved by the National Defence and Security Council, chaired by army chief Min Aung Hlaing. The junta's information team stated, "All members of the National Defence and Security Council including the commander-in-chief as well as acting president decided in unison for the extension of the state of emergency for another six months." This announcement highlights the military's consensus on the turbulence currently reshaping the nation's politics.
Critics have roundly criticized the junta's ruling, asserting the extension serves to delay promised elections, which are now unlikely to happen until at least the latter part of 2025, as elections cannot be conducted under emergency rule. Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the need for "peace and stability" before lifting the emergency and proceeding with the polls. "There are still more tasks to be done to hold the general election successfully," he remarked during the meeting. The state-run MRTV echoed this sentiment on its Telegram channel, stating, “Especially for a free and fair election, stability and peace is still needed.”
The military coup derailed what had been a modestly hopeful ten years of democratic governance under Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy. The junta seized power following unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud, making the coup particularly contentious considering Aung San Suu Kyi's overwhelming victory during the 2020 elections. Since taking control, Myanmar's military has faced persistent and mounting pressure from armed opposition groups and pro-democracy advocates, leading to fierce fighting, particularly involving ethnic minority armed groups and the newly formed People's Defence Forces.
Peace talks and avenues for reconciliation have been hindered, with criticisms arising from both local and international actors. More than six thousand civilians have lost their lives since the coup, and over twenty thousand have been arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The UN's Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has reported serious international crimes committed since the coup, underscoring the severe humanitarian calamity facing the country.
Internally, Myanmar has experienced significant displacement due to intensified conflict, with over three and a half million people forced from their homes. With the United Nations estimating around 19.9 million, or roughly one-third of the population, will need humanitarian aid by 2025, the situation poses unprecedented stress on the nation's infrastructure and social fabric.
International responses have been primarily governed by condemnation, with ASEAN foreign ministers expressing concerns about the state of emergency and urging the junta to prioritize peace negotiations over electoral exercises. Despite the criticisms, the junta remains steadfast; it engages with the international community for legitimacy surrounding its proposed elections. Notably, opponents of the military government have made it clear they plan to disrupt any elections, asserting they would be neither free nor fair. Many countries around the globe are being urged not to recognize the election results.
By extending the state of emergency, the junta seeks to maintain control during this volatile period. Yet with mounting losses on the battlefield and overwhelming civilian casualties, its ability to govern remains seriously challenged. Observers within Myanmar and across the globe question the viability of stability amid escalated civil strife.
Time will reveal the repercussions of this latest extension amid worsening conditions for the people of Myanmar facing violence, poverty, and uncertainty. The junta’s insistence on carrying out elections under these circumstances not only reflects its desperation to legitimize power, but also its failure to address the country’s pressing humanitarian issues.