Myanmar Extends State of Emergency by Six Months Amid Civil War

BANGKOK — Myanmar's military regime has extended the state of emergency for another six months, marking the sixth extension since they seized power on February 1, 2021. This move comes as the country remains embroiled in a brutal civil war, with the regime facing fierce resistance from ethnic minority militias and pro-democracy forces.

The state of emergency, initially declared when troops ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and arrested her along with members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party, grants the military sweeping powers over the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling military council, argued that more time is needed to restore stability, conduct a national census, and prepare for elections, which are now tentatively scheduled for 2025.

Since the coup, Myanmar has seen widespread unrest and escalating violence. Initially, peaceful protests were met with lethal force, prompting many to take up arms. Now, the military controls less than half of the country, holding on to central regions like the capital, Naypyidaw, which has been targeted by recent rocket attacks and bombings.

The fiercest battles in recent weeks have been in the northeast, where ethnic militias claim to have captured key towns like Lashio and Mogok, important for the military’s regional operations and the gem-mining industry. Although the regime denies losing Lashio, reports suggest they might soon be forced out.

Critics see the repeated delays in elections as a tactic to cement the military's power. Under the 2008 constitution, the military can rule under a state of emergency for a year with two possible six-month extensions before elections must be held. However, this latest extension surpasses those limits, with the National Defense and Security Council, largely controlled by the military, rubber-stamping the decision.

Meanwhile, acting president Myint Swe is on medical leave and has authorized Min Aung Hlaing to perform presidential duties. The initial promise to hold elections in August 2023 has been pushed back multiple times, with the new timeline suggesting 2025 as the earliest possible date.

The coup and ensuing conflict have had devastating consequences. Over 2.7 million people have been displaced, and more than 5,400 killed according to the United Nations and local monitoring groups. The military’s crackdown has also seen over 27,000 arrests.

As Myanmar's civil war rages on, the junta insists that the extensions and delayed elections are necessary due to ongoing "terrorist acts" by their opponents. The international community remains sceptical
about the prospects for free and fair elections under the current regime, given the widespread repression and lack of media freedom.