Font size:
Print
A Collective Effort Towards Peace in Myanmar
Context:
Since a military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been caught in a deepening crisis, with violent conflicts spreading across the country. Despite efforts like ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, aimed at ending violence and fostering dialogue, Myanmar’s conflict has intensified, revealing limitations in the bloc’s response.
The Situation in Myanmar:
- Ongoing Conflict and Armed Resistance
- Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war, with the military regime facing armed resistance from various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs).
- These groups now control key regions and trade routes, intensifying the conflict.
- Humanitarian Crisis
- This conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, urgently require assistance due to violence and displacement across Myanmar.
- ASEAN’s Limited Success with the Five-Point Consensus
- ASEAN, a regional body of Southeast Asian nations, has attempted to address the crisis with a Five-Point Consensus.
- This plan, proposed in 2021, aims to reduce violence and encourage dialogue between conflicting groups. However, the military regime in Myanmar has resisted these efforts, labelling opposition groups as “terrorists” and refusing to participate in genuine talks.
ASEAN Five Point Consensus:
The ASEAN Five-Point Consensus is a framework agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in April 2021 to address the crisis in Myanmar following the military coup. It outlines steps for reducing violence and encouraging dialogue among all parties. The consensus includes the following points:
- Immediate Cessation of Violence: All parties involved in Myanmar’s conflict should end violence immediately to ensure the safety and security of civilians.
- Constructive Dialogue Among All Parties: ASEAN encourages all parties, including the military junta and opposition groups, to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to seek a peaceful solution.
- ASEAN’s Special Envoy to Mediate: A special ASEAN envoy would be appointed to facilitate discussions between Myanmar’s military and opposition, ensuring that all parties’ perspectives are represented.
- Humanitarian Assistance through ASEAN’s Channels: ASEAN will provide humanitarian aid to Myanmar through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) to support civilians affected by the crisis.
- Special Envoy and Delegation’s Visit to Myanmar: The ASEAN special envoy, along with a delegation, would visit Myanmar to meet with all parties involved, helping to promote dialogue and monitor the situation.
Despite these points, the Five-Point Consensus has seen limited implementation, with Myanmar’s military largely resisting international pressure to comply.
ASEAN’s Pragmatic Shift:
- Excluding Myanmar’s Junta from High-Level Meetings
Initially, ASEAN responded strongly to Myanmar’s non-compliance by excluding its military leaders from high-level meetings. This marked a shift away from ASEAN’s usual policy of non-interference in member states’ affairs. - Resuming Limited Engagement at the 44th ASEAN Summit
- At the 44th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN signalled a partial willingness to reopen dialogue by allowing Myanmar to send a senior foreign ministry official. This approach, however, has exposed divisions within ASEAN.
- While some members, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, push for tougher actions against Myanmar’s military, others like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos prefer to maintain closer ties with Myanmar’s leaders.
- Thailand’s Proposal for Informal Talks
- In a recent effort to revive diplomacy, Thailand proposed informal talks among ASEAN leaders. However, experts stress that involving Myanmar’s opposition groups is crucial for these discussions to yield meaningful progress.
India’s Myanmar Policy:
- Strategic Importance under the Act East Policy
Myanmar is central to India’s Act East Policy, which aims to build stronger connections with Southeast Asian nations. As a land bridge to the ASEAN region, Myanmar is vital for India’s regional goals and trade expansion. - Key Connectivity Projects
India is involved in several major connectivity projects with Myanmar, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. These projects aim to boost trade and enhance transportation links between India and Southeast Asia. - Socio-Economic Development Initiatives
India has also introduced Quick Impact Projects, supported by small grants, to aid social development in Myanmar. These projects focus on agriculture, vocational training, and education, aiming to support Myanmar’s socio-economic stability. - Border Security Measures
Due to security concerns, India has taken steps to control its border with Myanmar. This includes fencing parts of the border and ending the Free Movement Regime, which previously allowed border communities to cross freely. However, these measures have faced resistance from some Indian states sharing the border. - Balancing Security and Support for Stability: To address Myanmar’s complex situation, India is exploring engagement with various stakeholders, including opposition and ethnic groups. India’s approach aims to balance its own security needs with support for stability and democracy in Myanmar.
