Myanmar Military Declares Cease-Fire Amid Continued Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The office of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s ruling junta, announced on Wednesday a temporary cease-fire from April 2 to April 22. The cease-fire was proclaimed to "express sympathy for affected citizens, facilitate humanitarian aid, and ensure stability during the recovery period." However, concerns remain regarding its enforcement, as military operations have been declared "necessary protective measures" despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, criticized the military’s actions, stating, “There’s nothing necessary nor protective about attacking people trying to help others. Continuing military offensives under these circumstances is outrageous.”
Attack on Chinese Red Cross Convoy
On Tuesday at approximately 9:30 p.m., Myanmar’s military fired at a Chinese Red Cross convoy near Ummati village in northern Shan State. The convoy reportedly failed to notify the military of its movements in advance, leading to the attack. General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the military, stated that soldiers attempted to stop the convoy using flashlights from a distance of 100 to 200 yards. When it did not halt, warning shots were fired into the air before live rounds were directed at the vehicles.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army, a rebel group participating in a separate one-month cease-fire, reported that the convoy was traveling towards Mandalay, near the earthquake’s epicenter, to deliver aid. General Zaw Min Tun justified the attack, citing the region’s active conflict and potential misidentification of the convoy as a threat.
Obstacles to Humanitarian Efforts
Ko Thein Swe, a local volunteer, recounted the difficulties faced by aid workers. His group, traveling from Thaton in Mon State with food and medicine, was stopped at a military checkpoint and only allowed to proceed after making a payment. He condemned the military’s stance, stating, “At a time when so many people are suffering, not only do they refuse to help, but they don’t even have the basic human decency to let others assist.”
Escalation of Conflict Post-Disaster
Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war, with the junta losing control of large territories to ethnic armed groups and civilian resistance forces. Despite the recent earthquake, military offensives have continued, including over 100 reported airstrikes in the past week, some targeting earthquake-affected areas. On Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., an airstrike in Kachin State killed 38 young recruits of the Kachin Independence Army, according to the group’s spokesperson, Colonel Naw Bu.
International Aid and Diplomatic Responses
China, a key ally of Myanmar’s junta, was among the first nations to provide aid, deploying rescue teams and contributing approximately $14 million in emergency assistance. Other countries, including the United States and Russia, have also sent aid. However, Taiwan reported that its offer to send a 126-member rescue team was declined by Myanmar’s military authorities.
Pro-democracy activist Tayzar San accused the junta of leveraging the disaster for political gain rather than focusing on effective relief efforts. The situation remains dire as international humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Program and UNICEF, attempt to navigate the complex and volatile landscape to deliver aid to those in need.
