Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Myanmar military on Tuesday to quit bloodshed and negotiate with its opponents in order to end the country’s terrible crisis.
Myanmar has been in upheaval since the military deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021. Resulting in violence across large swaths of the country and a collapse of the economy.
Diplomatic efforts to end the crisis have faltered, with the junta disregarding international condemnation for its harsh assault on opposition. And refusing to engage with its opponents.
The military “must take the first steps,” Ban said after visiting Myanmar for two days. And meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and senior military officials.
Ban also stated that any “lasting solution” must include the National Unity Government (NUG). A shadow administration dominated by parliamentarians from Suu Kyi’s party that is attempting to overthrow the coup.
The military has shown no willingness to negotiate with its adversaries, notably the NUG, which it has labelled a “terrorist” organisation.
Human rights organisations accuse the junta of carrying out killings, torching villages. And employing air and artillery strikes to punish populations accused of harbouring its opponents.
According to media and villagers, a military airstrike on a town near a resistance hotbed earlier this month killed more than 170 people.
The junta justified its takeover with unverified charges of fraud in 2020 elections won by Suu Kyi’s party, and has promised new elections.
“Holding elections under the current circumstances risks further violence and division. As well as the results not being recognised by the people of Myanmar,” Ban added.
The statement made no mention of Ban seeking a meeting with Suu Kyi. Who is now serving a 33-year prison sentence after a series of closed-door trials that rights groups allege were a fraud.
Ban’s visit made the main page of Myanmar’s state-backed Global New Light on Tuesday. But his appeals for dialogue and an end to violence were not mentioned.
The report stated he and junta commander Min Aung Hlaing “exchanged views on Myanmar’s latest progress. And cordially discussed it with constructive attitudes.”
Ban visited Myanmar as a member of Nelson Mandela‘s “The Elders” group of world leaders. Which works to promote peace and defuse conflicts.