Visit of envoy Sasakawa stirs speculation at perilous moment

By Admin 01 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
1 December 2023, Sittwe

The chairman of Japan’s Nippon Foundation Yohei Sasakawa held talks with junta officials from November 27-29 in Naypyitaw, reported junta-controlled state broadcaster MRTV.

Sasakawa mediated a ceasefire between Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in the previous fighting in Arakan State, leading observers to speculate that Sasakawa come to do the same job he had done before.

“Sasakwa has a history of mediating ceasefires in fighting in Arakan State. But, the latest fighting is different as it is part of a nationwide offensive, so a ceasefire can’t be made with the AA alone. It needs the approval of all the other organisations involved in Operation 1027. So, it will be difficult even to negotiate a temporary ceasefire [with the AA],” said political analyst U Tun Kyi.

Junta media has not officially indicated the intention of Sasakawa’s visit to Naypyidaw. His philanthropic Nippon Foundation has been implementing humanitarian projects in Arakan State and elsewhere for years.

“After the previous fighting, his foundation supplied food items to people in Arakan State. But there were lengthy delays in delivery of those food supplies, and it took months. So, I think he has come only to monitor the humanitarian operations of his Nippon Foundation. We can’t confirm that he has come to mediate a ceasefire. We will wait and see,” said the chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP), U Thar Tun Hla.

Sasakawa met Lieutenant-General Tun Tun Naung of Myanmar’s military regime and discussed humanitarian projects being implemented by the Nippon Foundation in Kayah (Karenni), Kayin (Karen), Mon, Shan and Arakan states, according to junta media.

Political analyst U Than Soe Naing said: “Sasakawa might not understand the current extent of conflicts. But he is a philanthropist with a good heart.”

Sasakawa notably called for holding elections in townships in northern Arakan State in 2020 where polls had been cancelled due to security concerns. He mediated a ceasefire between the Myanmar military and the AA in 2022.

The AA and junta troops have been fighting in northern Arakan State and neighbouring Chin State’s Paletwa Township since November 13.