Myanmar military government extends state of emergency for another 6 months

The state of emergency was first declared in February 2021, after the military toppled the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar’s military government said the country needs more time to return to stability and prepare for elections in 2023

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Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing. Photo: AFP via Getty Images / TNS

Published: 2:08am, 1 Aug 2022Updated: 1:46pm, 1 Aug 2022

Myanmar’s military government announced on Sunday an extension of a state of emergency for another six months until February 1, 2023, saying the country needs more time to return to stability and prepare for elections.

The junta first declared a state of emergency after seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in February last year.

Myanmar has been in chaos since then, with conflict spreading after the army crushed mostly peaceful protests in towns and cities.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed a five-point “consensus” to end hostilities last year, but there has been little sign of the junta implementing the five-point plan, which includes an end to violence and dialogue.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech aired on state media that Myanmar had been striving to overcome the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic while facing internal violence.

“So it was difficult to implement the Asean consensus due to the lack of stability,” said Min Aung Hlaing, adding that only when the situation was “normal” could progress be made.

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