The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed its “ deep » concern over the intensification of the civil conflict in Burma, which recently culminated with the capture of a strategic town on the Thai border by anti-junta fighters.
3 mins
“ We, the Member States of theAseanare deeply concerned by the recent escalation of conflicts, particularly in the Myawaddy region “, wrote the foreign ministers of the bloc of ten countries, in a joint statement dated Thursday, April 18. “ We urgently call on all parties to immediately cease violence and exercise maximum restraint, respect international humanitarian law and take all necessary measures to defuse tensions and ensure the protection and security of all. civilians “, they insisted.
There Burma has been mired in violent civil conflict since the 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi, without a peaceful outcome emerging, despite repeated calls from Asean, of which it is a part and which presented a crisis exit plan three years ago. Since the beginning of April, fighting has raged between the rebels of the Karen National Liberation Army and the soldiers of the junta.
Clashes have intensified in recent months after a series of attacks by ethnic minority groups and anti-junta fighters in several regions. The military power has suffered several major setbacks, notably in border areas of China and Thailand, which places it in a position of weakness unprecedented since the putsch, according to analysts. Last week, the junta withdrew from the strategic town of Myawaddyafter days of fighting whose sounds of explosions and artillery were perceptible on the Thai side.
Read alsoBurma: fighting continues in Myawaddy, Thailand ready to welcome refugees
UN warning
Since then, there have been no major clashes in the city. But fighting took place about thirty kilometers further, in Kawkareik, another locality located on the main road linking Rangoon to the Thailand. Bangkok, for its part, increased its level of military presence on its border. The kingdom has warned that it will not accept any “ breach » of its territory, while preparing for a possible influx of refugees.
L’UNshe warned, Friday April 19 in Geneva, that the intensification of fighting in Rakhine State (west) poses a serious threat to civilians, and urged influential countries to prevent further “ horrible persecutions » against the Rohingyas. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in particular that the stoked tensions between the Rohingya and Rakhine communities show there is a serious risk of a repeat of previous atrocities. “ We must not allow the past to repeat itself “, he said in a press release. “ As a neighboring country, we support negotiations that could lead to unity, peace and stability “, declared Friday Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for Thai diplomacy.
Read alsoBurma: Aung San Suu Kyi transferred from her cell to house arrest