The whistleblower group Justice For Myanmar issued a statement on Thursday warning that the regime, which seized power in Naypyidaw during the 2021 military coup, could evade international sanctions placed on it by Western countries due to its rebranding as the “State Security and Peace Commission.”
“Sanctions are critical in confronting human rights abusers and perpetrators of international crimes and would-be dictators around the world and governments must not stand for their sanctions regimes being circumvented,” stated Yadanar Maung, the Justice For Myanmar spokesperson, in a press release on Aug. 21.
“Canada, E.U., U.K. and [the U.S.] must respond by urgently sanctioning [the] SSPC, opposing its sham election and increasing efforts to block the [regime]’s access to funds, arms, technology and aviation fuel through coordinated, targeted sanctions and a global arms embargo,” Maung added.
On July 31, regime leader Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself the chairperson of the new commission, which includes 10 members and acts as an interim administration until elections are completed in 2026 and a new government is formed.
Min Aung Hlaing relinquished his role as self-appointed Prime Minister in the commission. But he will continue in the role as Acting President, which he assumed from the late Myint Swe, and in his role as Commander-in-Chief. Nyo Saw, a military business tycoon and adviser to Min Aung Hlaing, took over as Prime Minister.
“He appointed the prime minister, but even that prime minister is under his control through the commission. In short, he has not let go of any real power, nor has he initiated any genuine reforms. All this reflects his fear and the internal conflicts within their own camp,” said Nay Phone Latt, the National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson.
All 10 members of the regime’s commission have been sanctioned by the U.S., the E.U., the U.K., Canada, and Australia following the 2021 coup, according to Justice For Myanmar. But it called on the international community to urgently announce sanctions on the new commission and denounce its planned elections.
“There is no doubt that these so-called elections will produce an administration which is a cover for continued military control of politics and continued military control of the country. But, there may be surprises for Min Aung Hlaing personally. He’s not that popular among the Myanmar military and the elite in Naypyidaw,” said Richard Horsey, the senior advisor on Myanmar at the International Crisis Group.
Min Aung Hlaing’s regime reportedly hired a U.S.-based lobbying firm this month called the DCI Group for $3 million USD. Justice for Myanmar stated that the contract seeks to improve the regime’s international image and facilitate foreign engagement, especially with the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington.
The military has stepped up its use of airpower and ground offensives to take back control of territory seized by resistance forces in several states and regions across the country. The regime wants to be able to hold polls in areas not currently under its control, according to analysts.
At least 50 civilians were killed by airstrikes carried out by the Myanmar Air Force on Karenni and northern Shan states, as well as Sagaing Region from Aug. 17-21.
Ten were killed in Kyaukme, northern Shan State, on Aug. 20. At least 33 were killed in repeated strikes on Mawchi, Karenni State, on Aug. 16, 18, and 19. And seven were killed in Depayin, Sagaing Region, on Aug. 18.
On Aug. 19, the regime captured Demoso town in Karenni State, which was seized and held by resistance forces since Nov. 11, 2023. On July 23, it regained control of Thabeikkyin Township in Mandalay Region, which was seized by People Defence Force (PDF) on Aug. 25 2024.
On July 16, Nawnghkio in northern Shan State was taken by regime forces from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which held it since June 26, 2024. On July 2, the regime took back control of Moebye town in southern Shan State, which had been seized by the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) on Nov. 13, 2023.
