Pope Francis has offered to provide asylum at the Vatican to Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to Italian media. This offer comes amidst ongoing concerns about Suu Kyi’s well-being and the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021.
Myanmar’s former leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and ex-president U Win Myint have been transferred from prison to house arrest. This move comes amidst the release of over 30,000 political prisoners as part of Thingyan festival celebrations. However, the political and security situation in Myanmar remains fragile three years after the coup, with ongoing armed clashes and military responses that have led to a significant depletion of the army’s strength. The country is now divided into two parts, with neither side considering peaceful settlement through dialogue. A protracted civil war, a major military defeat, or a change in junta leadership are potential scenarios. External assistance from ASEAN states and Myanmar’s neighbors is crucial for addressing internal challenges, with China playing an active role in mediation efforts.
