JAKARTA – ASEAN Names Brunei’s Newest Foreign Minister as Myanmar’s Peace Mission
Yesterday, the group of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summoned Brunei’s new second foreign‑affairs minister, Erywan Yusof, for a top‑secret mission: ending the chaos in Myanmar and trying to bring the military leaders and their critics back to the negotiating table.
What the Communiqué Says
- Erywan is now ASEAN’s “special envoy” to Myanmar.
- His job is to pacify the conflict and spark dialogue between the junta and opposition forces.
- He also has the green light to supervise a humanitarian aid package – though the exact details are still under wraps.
- The communiqué urges the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance to kick off “policy guidance” on the issue.
Why This Matters
With Myanmar’s turmoil spilling over the borders, ASEAN’s involvement signals an urgent regional commitment to bring stability and relief to the beleaguered people. Erywan’s appointment reflects the bloc’s hope that skilled diplomacy can break the stalemate and lay the foundations for peace.
Next Steps
Erywan will be heading to Myanmar soon, armed with a toolbox of diplomatic expertise and a fresh hope that a conversation can replace conflict. ASEAN’s call to the Coordinating Centre implies that, beyond brokering talks, they’re also looking to set a roadmap for humanitarian assistance.
Stay tuned to see how this diplomatic drama unfolds!
<img alt="" data-caption="Myanmar soldiers walk along a street during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on February 28, 2021. PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”ed3578ce-6f3f-4d6c-8d17-f4ce04c98c87″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/050821_myanmar%20soldiers_reuters%20file.jpeg”/>
Myanmar’s Crisis Takes a New Turn – ASEAN Steps In
Six months after a military coup toppled a democratically elected government, Myanmar has been in full‑blown turmoil. Security forces have rounded up protestors and, according to reports, ended up taking dozens of lives. The economy has gone belly up and, to make matters worse, the country’s health system is now drowning in a surge of coronavirus cases.
Who’s Watching and Who’s Leading?
The United Nations and several major powers – the United States, China and others – have all been calling on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take the lead. With ten members on board, that includes Myanmar itself, the regional bloc has the power and the pressure to step up.
Why the Wait?
At the heart of the effort was the appointment of a special envoy. Yet the job sat vacant for months, swelling the conflict inside ASEAN. Finally, a breakthrough happened after a flurry of negotiations and even an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday.
Setting the Stage with Antony Blinken
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a virtual round‑table with ASEAN ministers.
- He urged the bloc to convene and demand that the Myanmar military stop the violence.
- “Release all unjustly detained people and open the path back to democracy,” his State Department urged the leaders.
Retno Marsudi’s Bold Move
During a somewhat heated gathering of ASEAN foreign ministers, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi got into the political ring. While launching a strategic U.S. dialogue with Blinken, she questioned whether the Myanmar military should have a place in ASEAN, especially since it rejected Erywan’s nomination. After even more back‑and‑forth and a surprise meeting, the special envoy was finally confirmed.
What’s the Envoy’s Mission?
Indonesia says the envoy will kick off soon—he’ll have “full access to all parties” in Myanmar. That means meeting everyone from government officials to street‑level activists. While many opposition figures, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, are being held at home or in prison, the envoy’s job is to bring those voices to the table.
Humanitarian Voices Are Still Silenced
Despite the new envoy, the Myanmar military is still refusing to let humanitarian workers deliver aid to the places that need it most. ASEAN members have pushed for an opening, but the military’s response has been a flat “no.” Critics argue this shows ASEAN is giving the junta a free pass and thereby legitimizing it. The Indonesian statement reportedly tweaked wording in the joint communique so it’s not seen as an acknowledgment of the military junta.
What’s the Latest from the Military?
As of this Sunday, Myanmar’s top brass – led by Min Aung Hlaing – announced he’d become prime minister. He also reiterated a pledge to hold elections by 2023, but how realistic that looks remains a big question mark.
In short, ASEAN is attempting to load the diplomatic gameplan into the brass, but the military’s heart—and the people’s hearts—continue to pull in different directions. Time will tell if this balancing act can actually pull Myanmar back from the brink.
