In the wake of a deadly earthquake, Myanmar’s junta and several rebel groups have announced temporary ceasefires to facilitate aid delivery. However, a shooting incident involving a Chinese aid convoy has raised concerns about access and security.
April 4, 2025
Myanmar’s military government on Wednesday declared a three-week nationwide ceasefire, effective immediately until April 22, citing the urgent need to facilitate recovery efforts following last week’s catastrophic earthquake. The magnitude 7.7 tremor, centered near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, has officially claimed the lives of 2,886 people, with 4,639 reported injured and 373 still missing. However, with rescue operations yet to reach numerous affected areas, the death toll is feared to rise significantly.
The ruling junta’s announcement, broadcast on state-run MRTV, stipulated that during the ceasefire period, all armed groups are prohibited from attacking civilian or military communication routes, recruiting new personnel, or attempting to expand their territorial control. The statement warned that any violations of these conditions would be met with a response from the military.
In a parallel development, three prominent ethnic armed organizations actively engaged in fighting the junta – the Arakan Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army – independently announced their own ceasefire, extending until April 30. These groups stated their unilateral cessation of hostilities aims to create a conducive environment for search-and-rescue operations in disaster-stricken areas and to ensure the swift and effective delivery of humanitarian aid to those in dire need.
Echoing these sentiments, the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), comprised of ousted civilian leaders, had already declared a two-week ceasefire commencing on April 1, aligning its actions with the broader humanitarian efforts underway.
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Despite the declared ceasefires, challenges persist in the delivery of aid. On Wednesday, the resilience of the human spirit offered a glimmer of hope as two men were miraculously rescued after being trapped under rubble for five days near the capital of Naypyidaw. One of the rescued individuals, 26-year-old Ko Naing Lin Tun, had even been presumed dead, with his family holding a memorial service. He and his friend, Ko Thet Maung Maung, were trapped in the debris of the collapsed Aye Thar Yar Hotel. Video footage captured their emotional extraction to safety.
Myanmar’s ruling military declared a temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil war Wednesday to facilitate relief efforts following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 3,000 people. https://t.co/lAhXpDJ0OR
— Breaking News (@BreakingNews) April 2, 2025
Adding to the complexities of the humanitarian response, an incident on Tuesday involving a Chinese Red Cross aid convoy drew international attention. Junta soldiers reportedly opened fire on the nine-vehicle convoy carrying emergency supplies in northern Myanmar. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by the passengers, and the supplies remained undamaged.
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China responded to the incident, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating that China would ensure the security of its rescue teams and relief provisions sent for earthquake relief. The military junta acknowledged the shooting on Wednesday morning, with spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun claiming that troops fired three warning shots into the air because the convoy allegedly did not provide prior notification of its approach, leading to the precautionary measure when the convoy was 100 meters away.
The junta’s announcement of the temporary ceasefire came just hours after this shooting incident and follows urgent calls from the United Nations for unrestricted humanitarian access to the earthquake zone and guarantees of safety for aid providers.
Brotherhood Alliance declares month-long quake truce
April 2, 2025
The Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Arakan Army, on Tuesday declared a month-long unilateral ceasefire from April 1 to April 30… pic.twitter.com/XczOnwwDN4
— The Irrawaddy (Eng) (@IrrawaddyNews) April 2, 2025
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As of Tuesday, a total of 14 planes carrying aid and emergency response teams from seven countries had arrived at the military-controlled airport in Naypyidaw. The nations providing crucial assistance include Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bhutan, the Philippines, Laos, and Bangladesh.
Background:
Myanmar has been embroiled in a protracted and devastating civil war since the military’s coup d’état in February 2021, which ousted a civilian government. This power grab triggered widespread protests and the formation of numerous armed resistance groups across the country. These groups, often aligned with established ethnic armed organizations, have been actively engaged in fierce clashes with junta forces, leading to widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has significantly weakened Myanmar’s already fragile infrastructure and economy, leaving the country particularly vulnerable and ill-equipped to handle the immense devastation caused by the recent earthquake. The displacement of over 3 million people in the four years of civil war further complicates the delivery of aid and the recovery process in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
