Junta Chief Boasts of Peace — While the World Whispers “Nope”
Min Aung Hlaing, the guy who flipped the power switch on February 1, rolled out a new 5‑step roadmap on Monday (Oct 18) and proudly declared the military’s future as “peaceful” and “democratic.” He called the 5‑point roadmap the “grand plan.”
Why the Big League Is Looking The Other Way
Asean got cold‑feet and decided to drop the junta chief from the upcoming summit on Oct 26‑28. Instead of a boardroom showdown, they sent a neutral envoy—Yusof—to untangle the mess. That was the first time Myanmar’s rulers have been politely left out of standing‑room politics.
The Candidate’s “Open‑Ended” Response
- He was all “we want Yusof in Myanmar—remember that agreement?”
- He added, “Some demands are non‑negotiable.”
- He refused to name how many demands or what the issues were.
During the TV speech, in civilian clothes (so he could finally hit all those beard‑gossips), he blamed the “terrorist groups” for any flash‑point violence. “Those guys keep up the chaos while we’re—” he half‑rushed, “—the ones who should be solving questions.” Big noise, but no specifics.
The NUG’s Fire‑Starting Side‑Stories
The National Unity Government is a coalition of old‑school party people who turned up in a “revolution” against the military. They’ve given the People’s Defence Forces a boost, and some of those militia groups are being accused of striking security camps. The shadow govt announced a nationwide rebellion last week, and was quite thrilled with Asean’s snubbing of the autocratic master.
Bottom Line
Myanmar’s military says it’s all good— there’s a five‑step plan for democracy. Yet the rest of the world and rogue groups are busy pointing fingers, preparing drones, and writing essays. Which side is right? We’ll keep watching to see if this showdown ends in a court hearing or a circus showdown.
Important step
ASEAN takes a bold stand on Myanmar’s crisis
In a move that shook the region, ASEAN decided to exclude Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing from any official dialogue. The decision, announced by the bloc’s chair Brunei, was seen as a first‑of‑its‑kind step—especially given ASEAN’s reputation for diplomatic engagement and a hands‑off stance.
What the news means
- ASEAN’s choice signals a push for a “neutral” voice in the country’s negotiations.
- It reflects growing frustration with the military’s failure to deliver on the April roadmap.
- Dr Sasa from the National Unity Government (NUG) welcomed the move, saying the bloc should truly represent Kyung‑Tae’s interests.
- In a far‑copping twist, the military’s side accused “foreign intervention” for the decision, hinting at a defensive narrative.
Myanmar’s turmoil in a nutshell
The coup in 2021 toppled a decade of tentative democracy and sparked a cascade of arrests, notably targeting one of the country’s most iconic leaders, Aung Suu Kyi. Security forces have reportedly killed over 1,100 people, a figure echoed by activists and the United Nations.
Unexpected amnesty announcement
Minutes after the military chief’s speech, state television revealed that more than 5,600 detainees linked to anti‑coup protests would be released under a blanket amnesty. The move was painted as humanitarian, but critics argue it’s a tactic to pacify rebels while delegitimising the shadow government.
“The shadow government is the real source of unrest,” a government spokesman said, underscoring a narrative that casts the NUG as destabilisers.
Bottom line
We’re witnessing a pivotal moment: ASEAN’s decisive stance may re‑shape Myanmar’s future, but the military’s pushback and the chaotic internal dynamics suggest that the road ahead is far from smooth. Stay tuned for what comes next!
