The general who took power in a coup in Myanmar in February has named himself prime minister and said that emergency rule may now extend to August 2023. In an hour-long televised speech, Min Aung Hlaing pledged to hold free and fair elections.
Hundreds have died in protests against the military coup. At least 939 people have been killed by the authorities since February, according to a tally by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Myanmar is also struggling with its worst Covid-19 outbreak, which has crippled the country's healthcare system. There are widespread allegations that the military is directing oxygen and drug supplies to government supporters and military-run hospitals.
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The state of emergency was declared in Myanmar when troops moved against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The military had claimed her landslide victory in last year’s national elections was through massive voter fraud. National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained since the coup and faces a range of criminal charges.