State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and NLD government leaders were detained in the early hours of this morning in an orchestrated, coordinated military coup. A one-year state of emergency has been declared, giving the military authority to shut down government (legislative, administrative and judicial). It also enables the military to shut down telecommunications networks, with mobile internet now cut off in at least Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. Telecommunication lines could be down for the next 2-3 days and banks are seeking permission from the central bank to pause financial services due to poor internet connection. Bank branches are currently closed, with some atms operational.

Aung San Suu Kyi has urged the public to remain home and maintain law and order. However, the extent to which Myanmar’s civilians will risk going up against the military is unclear.  

Military appointed Vice President, U Myint Swe, has been declared interim President. He is from Myanmar’s main opposition party the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers have all been transferred to Military Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing.          

At this stage the situation on the ground remains in flux, though public order is relatively stable. AGA will share additional flash updates from our team in Yangon as the government takes shape.