Myanmar military calls on anti-coup forces to abandon resistance and engage in talks
The unexpected appeal comes as the generals, who took power in 2021, face increasing pressure from their opponents.
Myanmar’s military coup leaders have made a surprise call for their opponents to lay down arms and engage in political dialogue—a proposal quickly rejected. The State Administration Council (SAC), which has ruled since the February 2021 coup, urged ethnic armed groups and People’s Defence Forces (PDF) resisting military rule to abandon what it termed the “terrorist way” and join political discussions.
Since a major offensive was launched by these groups last October, they have gained control of large areas, putting significant pressure on the military.
In a statement published in the *Global New Light of Myanmar*, the SAC invited armed groups to resolve political issues through elections or party politics, emphasizing peace and development. However, the National Unity Government (NUG), formed by ousted lawmakers, dismissed the offer, with spokesperson Nay Phone Latt calling it unworthy of consideration.
The NUG formed the PDFs after the military’s violent crackdown on mass protests. Since the coup, over 5,700 people have been killed, and nearly 21,000 detained, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. U.N. investigators have accused the military of escalating crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The military, which cited unproven claims of fraud in the November 2020 election that returned Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) to power, has promised new elections but not set a date. A census, starting on October 1, was framed as part of the process. However, strict new election laws enacted in January 2023 excluded the NLD and many other parties, while Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 27 years in politically motivated trials.
Civil society groups condemned the SAC's planned elections as a sham. Progressive Voice, a rights advocacy group, said, “The junta is teetering on the brink of collapse," labeling the elections a "desperate ploy for false legitimacy."
Myanmar, which has endured decades of military rule since independence in 1948, has seen similar offers of elections before, followed by continued crackdowns. Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK, noted on X that this tactic is part of the military’s old playbook, offering no genuine change in approach.
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