Myanmar’s ruling junta has extended a temporary ceasefire until April 30, following international pressure to ease humanitarian efforts in the wake of last month’s devastating earthquake.
Originally announced after the magnitude-7.7 quake on March 28, which killed over 3,700 people and displaced tens of thousands, the truce was set to expire at midnight Tuesday (1730 GMT). The extension comes after calls from aid organizations and international mediators to allow continued relief operations.
In a statement, the junta said the ceasefire aims to “continue the rebuilding and rehabilitation process with momentum.” However, the military reiterated that it reserves the right to retaliate if attacked — a caveat included in the initial truce announcement.
Despite the declared ceasefire, conflict monitors and residents report that hostilities have persisted on both sides in multiple regions, particularly in Myanmar’s embattled central belt.
According to the United Nations, more than 60,000 people have been forced into makeshift camps, and an estimated two million now require urgent assistance and protection.
Humanitarian agencies and regional actors, including ASEAN, have pushed for an extension of the truce to enable aid to reach affected communities.
On Thursday, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing held rare talks in Bangkok with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Anwar also met with representatives of Myanmar’s opposition “National Unity Government,” who he said had pledged to uphold a similar ceasefire.
“Both sides agreed to do whatever is necessary to avoid any extension of the fighting,” Anwar told reporters after the meeting.
AFP
