On Monday the Myanmar military staged a coup after they lost several seats in their government. They declared a state of emergency and arrested the country’s leader, Aung Sang Suu Kyi. The military claimed their state of emergency was due to the elections being subject to voter fraud and wanting to have their election next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, Min Aung Hlaing, is the currently installed ruler, and the state of emergency will last for one year.
The Myanmar Times reported that the new government cut the country’s access to Internet and phone services, television channels, and closed the banks.
White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, issued a statement on the situation after President Biden was briefed by Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor.
“The United States is alarmed by reports that the Burmese military has taken steps to undermine the country’s democratic transition, including the arrest of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials in Burma. President Biden has been briefed by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. We continue to affirm our strong support for Burma’s democratic institutions and, in coordination with our regional partners, urge the military and all other parties to adhere to democratic norms and the rule of law, and to release those detained today. The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed. We are monitoring the situation closely and stand with the people of Burma, who have already endured so much in their quest for democracy and “peace.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/01/31/statement-by-white-house-spokesperson-jen-psaki-on-burma/
