WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump has extended by one year the declaration of a “national emergency” in Myanmar, a measure that allows Biden-era sanctions against the military junta to continue.
But the extension, which was announced Thursday, came as human rights groups criticized the Trump administration’s freezing of nearly $40 million in aid for Burmese pro-democracy groups as part of the dismantling of U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID.
Myanmar has been embroiled in a four-year civil war ever since a military coup on Feb. 1, 2021, which has pitted various ethnic armies and People’s Defense Force units of civilians who have taken up arms.
Trump signed an extension to the February 2021 declaration of the national emergency because the situation in Myanmar “continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” according to a statement.
The declaration was first issued under former President Joe Biden days after the 2021 coup d’etat in Naypyidaw.
Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington and a regular commentator for Radio Free Asia, said the main impact of the extension would be to extend various U.S. sanctions that have since been imposed on the military junta Myanmar, such as those covering jet fuel and banks.
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“I was surprised that it was renewed given the administration’s priorities right now,” Abuza told Radio Free Asia. “But I was very pleased that it was extended. I think this is an important signal. I think Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio has actually a very long positive track record on Myanmar issues.”
Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the presidential office of Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, or NUG -- made up of former civilian leaders -- said the exiled government welcomed the continuation of Biden-era declaration by Trump.
“I also believe that the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump does not alter their foreign policy regarding the Myanmar issue,” he told RFA. “That being said, we welcome their statement. The current situation in Myanmar also has implications for the United States.”
Those implications included flows of drugs leaving Myanmar, he said.
Geopolitical fight
Banyar, the secretary of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council in Myanmar, told RFA he believed the decision was likely driven by concerns over the geopolitical influence of Beijing, which has backed the junta.
“China’s influence over Myanmar’s political, socio-economic, and military affairs has become increasingly evident,” said Banyar, who goes by one name. “From an American viewpoint, strong ties with China pose a threat to both geopolitical stability and economic interests.”
Salai Peter Thang, the vice president of the Chin National Organization -- which is fighting the junta -- also welcomed the decision, but said he was waiting to see if the United States took a more proactive approach to the junta.
“In reality, the situation is highly detrimental, not only to democracy but also in the broader geopolitical landscape, where America’s competitors, such as China and Russia, are gaining influence without sufficient challenge,” he told RFA. “I am eager to see when the United States will formally recognize this as a national security threat.”
Khin Lay, a feminist activist, said the extension was “good news” for those in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement who were wondering how Trump would approach the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
“We are eager to see how he will handle Myanmar’s affairs. While we await his actions, I believe that the secretary of state and his team will present him with the necessary conditions in Myanmar and push for action, which is likely why this statement has been issued,” she said.
Aid curb
Still, the extension came as rights groups voiced concerns about Trump’s cuts to U.S. funding for pro-democracy groups in Myanmar.
Human Rights Watch on Thursday released a statement identifying some $40 million in aid that had been allocated over the next three years to democracy and human rights groups as well as to media.
That figure includes $30 million for nine separate pro-democracy initiatives, $8 million for seven human rights projects and $1 million for two programs supporting independent media covering Myanmar.
“The funding freeze is already disrupting critical programmes. Local human rights, democracy, and media organisations—many of which operate on tight budgets—are being forced to close programmes, terminate staff, and scale back essential services,” HRW said.
“Without urgent intervention, many will not survive. Once lost, experienced personnel and effective projects will be difficult, if not impossible, to restart,” the organization said. “The loss of these funds would reverse hard-won progress in the struggle for human rights, democracy, and press freedom in post-coup Myanmar.”
Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Alex Willemyns and Malcolm Foster.