With No End in Sight, Myanmar’s Junta Extends State of Emergency

By Lauren Ho

On January 31, 2025 the Myanmar military, or the junta, extended its state of emergency amidst its continued state of conflict. The conflict began in 2021 when Aung San Suu Kyi, the Myanmar national leader was arrested by his military. A state of emergency was promptly declared and catapulted the nation into turmoil for the next four years. Under the state of emergency declaration, the military was permitted to rule all areas of government for one year but has enforced its authority now for four years. The declaration permits the junta to legally declare two extensions to the state of emergency, but the extension occurring on January 31 is the seventh.

An election is planned for this year as an attempt by the Myanmar junta to legitimize their power. Initially the election was planned for 2023 but has been continually pushed back and no specific election date has been released. As part of the election process, the Myanmar junta is required to return authority to the president. However, concerns have been raised about the legitimacy of the upcoming election with opposition saying that it will not be fair. The unrest has created various humanitarian challenges including displacement of citizens, political prisoners, and food insecurity. As 2025 continues, it can be anticipated that Myanmar will continue to experience turmoil amidst its upcoming election as well as civil unrest.