ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar says ‘comprehensive update’ on crisis expected at 48th Summit

Myanmar crisis on agenda at 48th ASEAN Summit

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 Special Envoy to Burma Ma Theresa Lazaro stated on Wednesday that a “comprehensive update” on the crisis in Burma would be discussed at the 48th ASEAN summit in Cebu, Philippines, May 7-8. Hau Khan Sum, the regime’s permanent secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended as regime officials remain barred from high-level ASEAN summits.

Manila, serving as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, urged Naypyidaw to show “greater transparency” by allowing the Philippines’ Special Envoy Ma Theresa Lazaro to meet with jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. ASEAN leaders are expected to discuss regional energy security and diversification strategies to mitigate supply disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East during the summit in Cebu.

Leila de Lima, a member of the Philippines House of Representatives, urged Manila to take a stronger stance against Naypyidaw by rejecting Min Aung Hlaing’s new pro-military administration, releasing political prisoners, and pursuing accountability through international justice mechanisms for the military’s crimes. Progressive Voice and the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) supported de Lima’s call.

Civil society demands ‘total cessation’ of Myitsone dam project

A coalition of 49 civil society organizations in Kachin State issued a joint statement on Tuesday demanding the immediate and “total cessation” of the controversial Myitsone hydropower dam project, condemning the regime for organizing sham public consultations and threatening local residents.

The massive infrastructure project, which initially displaced roughly 12,000 residents, was quietly resumed by the regime on Dec. 16. It had previously been suspended in 2011 by then-President Thein Sein following intense public backlash over severe earthquake risks, as the site sits just 16 miles (25.4 km) northeast of the active Sagaing Fault.

“It offers no benefits to the public and will only result in the severe destruction and loss of people’s lives, homes and properties. It is in direct opposition to the will of local Kachin people and the citizens of Myanmar,” the groups wrote in their May 4 joint statement. They are also demanding an immediate halt to all lobbying efforts and the intimidation of civilians. Read more