The United States has decided to lift sanctions on several allies of Min Aung Hlaing, the junta chief of Myanmar, despite ongoing civil war and widespread human rights concerns. Last month, Min Aung Hlaing sent a letter to Donald Trump to congratulate him on his electoral victory. This surprising show of support has left both politicians and advocacy groups in shock.
On February 1, 2021, Min Aung Hlaing overthrew the civilian government in a military coup. This violent act ignited a bloody civil war, which has since left millions dead. The junta’s scorched earth military operations are increasingly devastating civilians. In early May, air strikes killed 20 students and two teachers when a school in Sagaing was bombed—despite a ceasefire reportedly being announced at the time.
We call on the US Treasury to continue targeting Min Aung Hlaing and his terrorist military with sanctions. These decisions represent the most effective weapon the US has to cut off the junta’s access to foreign currency. The 2023 announcement removed restrictions on many of those same military-connected companies and individuals.
Min Aung Hlaing’s Recent Activities
In January this year, Min Aung Hlaing made a controversial visit to Moscow, where Myanmar solidified its security ties with Russia as his international isolation deepens. He also penned a letter to then-candidate Donald Trump when the future President was issuing his own threats of tariffs. In that letter, he offered an even lower tariff rate of 10 to 20 percent on July 11. This letter seems to have swayed the US in the direction of easing some sanctions, even though the military onslaught against Ukrainian civilians continues.
The junta’s forces have been responsible for the displacement of some 3.5 million people and driving half the country into poverty. As Min Aung Hlaing’s military gains ground on the northern front with support from China and Russia, concerns grow regarding the implications of lifting US sanctions.
“These are people who are closely tied to Myanmar’s war economy. Lifting sanctions on them sends the wrong message.” – Sean Turnell
Human Rights Concerns and Political Reactions
Although the decision to lift sanctions was a temporary reprieve, it has created a major uproar among lawmakers and human rights advocates. Human Rights Watch has described the decision as “extremely alarming,” especially in light of the junta’s ongoing violence against civilians. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that this decision undermines international efforts to hold the military accountable for its actions.
This is a troubling development, said US Democratic Representative Ami Bera. He is concerned that as part of any new agreement, sanctions would be lifted on entities associated with the junta’s military activities. Advocacy groups argue that easing restrictions could allow these individuals and companies to further exploit Myanmar’s resources at the expense of its populace.
“In the ordinary course of business,” – US Treasury spokesperson
The Implications of Lifting Sanctions
Analysts have raised alarm bells at what they say are dangerous ramifications of rescinding sanctions. They included economic adviser Sean Turnell, who warned about a major red flag. Even Myanmar’s friends, such as Russia and China, need transactions to be completed in dollars or euros, making access to foreign currency essential to the junta’s operations.
Removing these sanctions would make it more difficult to starve Min Aung Hlaing of the resources he needs. Worse, this could further prolong the current civil war. Critics argue that without pressure from these sanctions, the military may feel emboldened to continue its aggressive actions against civilians.
