Myanmar Military Government Challenges Legitimacy of UN Ambassador

Myanmar's military backed government has declared its current United Nations ambassador, Kyaw Moe Tun, illegitimate as the UN prepares to decide on his credentials. Kyaw Moe Tun was appointed by the government of Aung San Suu Kyi and broke with the country's rulers following the military coup in 2021. The military government claims he was dismissed from civil service on February 27, 2021, for treason, colluding with terrorist organizations, and failing to comply with state orders.

The military government further accused the ambassador of misusing state funds and property, including the UN Permanent Mission in New York, and working with the exiled National Unity Government. The UN has formed a credentials committee consisting of members from the Bahamas, Belgium, Benin, China, Jamaica, Russia, Uganda, the United States, and Vanuatu to decide whether to accept a new candidate from Naypyidaw or retain Kyaw Moe Tun. This decision is typically announced around November.

Myanmar has been in a state of civil war since the 2021 coup ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. According to monitor ACLED, the conflict between the military and pro democracy fighters and ethnic minority armed groups has killed more than 100,000 people. While China and Russia have provided diplomatic cover and arms to the Myanmar government, the United States has sanctioned numerous leaders, including former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.