Myanmar’s Weaponization of COVID-19 ceasefire during the pandemic as “unrealistic.”84 Without an end to the fighting, the govern- It was not until 10 May, more than one month ment’s claimed comprehensive pandemic re- after the demands were issued, the military fi- sponse plan is unrealistic. This was exemplified nally announced its own ceasefire. It included a on 21 April, when a driver for the WHO, Pyae precondition that the declaration would not ap- Sone Win Maung, was killed by gunfire in Rakh- ply in areas where so-called “terrorist” organi- ine State’s Minbya Township while transporting zations are based – a likely reference to the AA coronavirus test swabs out of the conflict zone. – effectively excluding the major conflict area A Myanmar military spokesperson told a Reu- of Rakhine and Chin States from the declara- ters reporter who inquired whether the military tion.85 Days later, the TNLA – also once threat- was responsible for his death that the question ened with the “terrorist” label86 – reported that was not one that should be posed by “a Myan- the Myanmar military had attacked their troops mar citizen.”88 in Mogok Township, Mandalay Region.87 Chin and Rakhine States From 23 March – the day in which the and children, the UN human rights office said.89 coronavirus was confirmed in Myanmar and Within hours90 of the NLD government’s the AA was declared a “terrorist” organization declaration against the AA, the military – until 17 April, 32 civilians were killed by the launched an air strike on Che Taung Village Myanmar military’s air strikes in Rakhine and in Rakhine State’s Minbya Township, killing Chin States according to estimates from the a nine-year-old child and injuring 15 other UN OHCHR. More than 70 people were civilians, among whom was at least one other injured. Most of the victims have been women child. When questioned about the use of 84 Sai Wunna. “Tamadaw rejects call for ceasefire during pandemic.” Myanmar Times. 2 April 2020. Available at: https:// www.mmtimes.com/news/tatmadaw-rejects-call-ceasefire-during-pandemic.html 85 Lawi Weng. “Myanmar Rebel Coalition Calls on Military to Extend Ceasefire to Rakhine.” The Irrawaddy. 11 May 2020. Available at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-rebel-coalition-calls-military-extend-ceasefire-rakhine.html 86 Zue Zue. “Shan State Parliament Approves Branding Northern Alliance as ‘Terrorists.’ The Irrawaddy. 7 December 2016. Available at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/shan-state-parliament-approves-branding-of-northern-alliance-as-terrorists.html 87 Network Media Group. “Tatmadaw Fight With TNLA After Announcing Unilateral Ceasefire.” 15 May 2020. Available at: http://www.nmg-news.com/2020/05/15/10794 88 Reuters. “Driver killed in WHO vehicle carrying virus swabs in Myanmar’s Rakhine.” 21 April 2020. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-myanmar-rakhine/driver-killed-in-who-vehicle-carrying-virus-swabs-in-myanmars-rakhine-idUSKBN22315L 89 Reuters. “U.N. says mostly women and children among 32 killed as insurgents, Myanmar military clash.” 17 April 2020. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rakhine-un/u-n-rights-office-says-myanmar-carryingout-air-strikes-in-rakhine-state-idUSKBN21Z1DJ 90 RFA Myanmar Service. “Fresh Fighting Adds 1,000 to Displaced Population in Myanmar’s Rakhine.” Radio Free Asia. 25 March 2020. Available at: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/displaced-population-03252020171909. html 25