Myanmar’s Anti-coup Group Agrees For A Partial Ceasefire
- Indian Ocean International Affairs
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 3 minutes read
In a significant development following a devastating earthquake, Myanmar’s anti-coup resistance forces have declared a temporary truce to facilitate relief operations. The ceasefire, lasting for two weeks, aims to enable humanitarian aid to reach affected regions without interference from ongoing armed conflicts. The announcement was made by the People’s Defence Force (PDF) and endorsed by the shadow “National Unity Government” (NUG), which seeks to challenge the military junta that seized power in February 2021. Following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region on March 29, 2025, anti-coup fighters announced they would suspend offensive military operations in the worst-hit areas. The earthquake has left a devastating impact, with at least 1,644 casualties reported in Myanmar, along with structural damages to homes, temples, and vital infrastructure. The tremors also extended into Thailand, causing additional casualties and widespread panic in Bangkok. The PDF’s ceasefire, effective from March 30, 2025, permits only defensive military actions. This strategic pause is intended to allow uninterrupted disaster relief operations, facilitate rescue efforts, and ensure that medical and humanitarian aid can reach affected communities.
The National Unity Government (NUG), which operates as Myanmar’s exiled civilian administration, has pledged to work alongside the United Nations, international NGOs, and local organizations to deliver emergency aid effectively. In an official statement, the NUG emphasized its readiness to ensure security, facilitate transportation, and establish temporary medical and rescue camps in controlled areas. Myanmar has been embroiled in a brutal civil conflict since the 2021 military coup, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Resistance forces, including the PDF and multiple ethnic armed organizations, have engaged in sustained battles against the junta. The earthquake has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with both rebel-held and junta-controlled territories suffering severe damages. This ceasefire presents an unprecedented opportunity for humanitarian agencies to reach disaster victims without the added peril of ongoing combat.
The United Nations, ASEAN, and other international stakeholders have called for the immediate prioritization of relief efforts over military engagements. The UN has already allocated $5 million in emergency assistance, while neighbouring countries, including India and Thailand, have dispatched relief supplies. However, political instability remains a major obstacle to streamlined humanitarian operations. Diplomatic experts argue that this ceasefire could serve as a stepping stone toward broader peace negotiations if leveraged appropriately. International mediators might use the humanitarian truce as a basis for facilitating dialogue between the junta and opposition groups.
The temporary ceasefire by Myanmar’s anti-coup resistance marks a rare moment of pause in a deeply divided country. As relief efforts continue, the coming weeks will determine whether this humanitarian truce can lead to further political dialogue or remain an isolated event driven by an extraordinary natural disaster. For the people of Myanmar, still reeling from both political violence and the devastation of a major earthquake, the priority remains immediate relief and recovery. The success of these efforts will depend not only on domestic cooperation but also on international diplomatic engagement and sustained humanitarian support.
