LEADERS and governments across the world expressed concern on Monday over the military’s seizure of power in Myanmar and detention of political leadership.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the detention of the civilian leaders, including its de facto leader and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, as the Burmese military staged a coup early dawn and declared a state of emergency for one year.
“These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar,” said Stephane Dujarric, UN chief’s spokesman.
Guterres said the elections held last November provided a “strong mandate” to Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) to govern the Buddhist-majority country.
Early on Monday, the military declared a state of emergency hours after detaining Suu Kyi, Myint and other senior members of the ruling the NLD party.
The coup took place hours before the first session of the country’s new parliament
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
