Yangon, Myanmar – – Myanmar’s military junta has expelled Timor-Leste’s top diplomat, Elisio do Rosario de Sousa, the charge d’affaires of Timor-Leste’s embassy in Yangon, following the Southeast Asian nation’s decision to accept a legal case alleging war crimes committed by the Myanmar military regime. The junta has ordered de Sousa to leave the country no later than .
The expulsion marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries and represents the first instance of one member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) initiating legal action against another. Timor-Leste, Asia’s youngest nation having gained independence in 2002 and joining ASEAN in 2025, has opened legal proceedings against the junta and its leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, based on a complaint filed by the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), which represents Myanmar’s Chin ethnic minority.
Myanmar’s foreign ministry has characterized the investigations as a “great disappointment,” accusing Timor-Leste of violating articles within the ASEAN Charter that emphasize respect for sovereignty and non-interference. This response underscores the junta’s sensitivity to external scrutiny and its determination to resist international accountability for its actions.
The legal proceedings in Timor-Leste focus on allegations of both war crimes and crimes against humanity. This move comes as Myanmar already faces prosecution at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, brought by The Gambia, concerning allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. The overlapping legal challenges highlight the growing international pressure on the Myanmar military regime.
The junta seized power in a coup in , overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, Myanmar has been embroiled in widespread civil unrest, escalating into what has been described as all-out civil war, with numerous militia groups now controlling parts of the country. The military has been accused of decades of war crimes and rights abuses targeting various ethnic minorities within Myanmar.
Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta has been a vocal critic of the Myanmar junta, signaling a clear stance against the military regime’s actions. His government’s decision to pursue legal action demonstrates a commitment to upholding international law and human rights standards, despite potential repercussions from within ASEAN.
The decision by Timor-Leste to pursue this legal avenue is particularly noteworthy given its recent entry into ASEAN. The regional bloc has historically adhered to a principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of its member states. This action by Timor-Leste challenges that long-standing norm and could potentially set a precedent for other ASEAN members to address human rights concerns within the region.
The expulsion of Timor-Leste’s diplomat is likely to further isolate Myanmar internationally. While the junta maintains relationships with some countries, including Russia and China, the growing number of legal challenges and international condemnations are increasing the pressure on the regime to address the allegations of human rights abuses and restore democratic governance.
Analysts suggest that the junta’s reaction – the expulsion of the diplomat – is intended to send a strong message to other ASEAN nations, discouraging them from taking similar actions. However, the move could also backfire, further galvanizing international support for accountability and potentially leading to increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Myanmar.
The situation remains fluid and the long-term implications of Timor-Leste’s legal proceedings and Myanmar’s response are yet to be seen. However, the events of the past week underscore the deepening crisis in Myanmar and the growing international efforts to hold the military regime accountable for its actions.
The legal proceedings initiated by Timor-Leste represent a significant development in the international response to the crisis in Myanmar, offering a potential pathway to justice for victims of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The case will likely be closely watched by international legal experts and human rights organizations, as it could establish important precedents for addressing similar situations in other countries.
