The countrywide temporary ceasefire in Myanmar led to a relief, at least somewhat. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, the military junta and rebel groups declared a nationwide ceasefire in Myanmar earlier this month. The powerful earthquake that led to the deaths of several thousands and the collapse of many buildings in Nay Pyi Taw — the capital city of Myanmar — and several other cities forced the rebels and military council to declare a 20-day ceasefire. But the parties violated the ceasefire and have been continuing fighting. More importantly, it remains unclear whether the conflicts in Myanmar will be resolved in the absence of international efforts.
There were surprisingly scant international efforts to resolve the conflict in Myanmar, which is multi-faceted and caused by historical, ethnic and political factors and has been going on for several decades, though it increased in more than a year, involving the junta and many armed rebels in several states including the Shan State, Kachin State and Rakhine State. This is probably because of several reasons. The junta’s resistance to engagement, the complexity of the conflict and the lack of a strong intention of international actors are some crucial causes. But international efforts were not absent altogether in resolving the conflict in Myanmar, which has been mostly ruled by the military. There have been peace mediation and sanctions-oriented efforts by international actors.
Photo credit: https://edition.cnn.com/.
But international efforts to resolve the conflict in Myanmar are largely ceasefire-based. Various actors including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) played a vital role. Pertinently saying, its Five-Point Consensus — agreed upon in the ASEAN in 2021 — calls for a cessation of violence and a path toward a peaceful and inclusive political solution. Other international actors including the United Nations have supported it and have been urging all parties to engage in dialogue and find a mutually acceptable resolution to the conflict. Among others, China, India, and Japan have also engaged in diplomatic efforts. But international efforts have so far failed to address the complicated issues and bring peace to Myanmar.
Pertinently saying, reasons within Myanmar and other reasons have been putting hindrances to the resolution of the conflicts by international efforts. The lack of interest among the conflicting parties, the intention of the junta to stay in power and internal divisions among resistance groups have played a vital role in the failure of meager international efforts. The situation is further complicated by the complex nature of the conflict, varying geographically and ethnically and making it difficult to come to a lasting solution to the conflict. Among others, geoeconomic and geopolitical dynamics in the region involving several parties including Russia and China have also played a role in the failure of international steps.
Photo credit: https://asiatimes.com/.
But there are also various flaws within the international peace efforts that brought limited outcomes. There is a lack of unified international action to reach a lasting solution, a slow response and a lack of strong commitment to resolve the conflict because of geopolitical rivalries among powerful countries. Pertinently saying, the international community has been slow to respond to Myanmar’s conflicts — not only in the past but also at present. Among others, there is a failure to address the complex nature of the conflict and its root causes, including the external influences and the marginalization of ethnic minorities in different states including Rakhine Muslims, in international efforts.
It is always better if any country can resolve its own conflicts through political talks. This is pertinent for Myanmar too but yet to be a visible option. Strengthened international efforts are vital and will help resolve the ongoing conflicts and bring peace. The ASEAN can play a role and bring the parties to discussion tables to reach a lasting solution. But the role of China and Russia is vital. Without their strong role, the conflicts are less likely to be resolved. But pressure from other international actors can force the parties to address the root causes and end the conflicts.
