Yangon: Myanmar’s military junta announced an extension of the post-earthquake ceasefire, which critics claim is ineffective, as efforts to assist disaster victims continue to falter. The junta, in power following a 2021 coup, initially declared the ceasefire from April 2 to 30 after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on March 28 devastated the Sagaing and Mandalay regions, resulting in over 3,700 deaths.

According to Radio Free Asia, the military government has prolonged the ceasefire until the end of May, citing the need for rebuilding efforts and the development of the nation’s economy and stability. Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, made a rare foreign trip to Bangkok in mid-April, where he met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The discussions focused on humanitarian assistance, with Anwar underscoring the necessity of extending the ceasefire to facilitate aid and restore normalcy.

Critics, however, argue that such diplomatic e
ngagements risk legitimizing the junta, which continues military operations despite ceasefire declarations. ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights expressed concern that engaging with the junta without demanding progress towards ending violence or restoring democracy could send a harmful message.

The ceasefire extension has faced backlash from the exiled civilian National Unity Government (NUG), which accuses the junta of ongoing aerial and heavy artillery assaults. The NUG reports that between March 28 and May 4, junta forces executed 282 airstrikes, causing 276 civilian deaths and 456 injuries, including 31 children killed and 45 injured. The Sagaing region, the earthquake’s epicenter and a hub of rebel activity, has suffered significantly, with 73 airstrikes resulting in 89 deaths and 135 injuries, according to the NUG. Mandalay has endured the dual impact of natural disaster and military aggression.

A resistance group, the Taang National Liberation Army, along with allied militias, has declared its ref
usal to relinquish newly acquired territories, despite pressure from China and the junta. Reports indicate that 61 airstrikes have caused 65 deaths and 118 injuries. Meanwhile, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Arakan Army, Taang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, announced a ceasefire throughout May.