Diplomatic scandal between Germany and Myanmar – video message criticized

There has been a diplomatic scandal between the military government and Germany in Myanmar. The trigger was a video message for the 75th birthday of former President U Win Myint, which the chargé d'affaires of the German embassy in the crisis country, Mathias Licharz, published on Sunday.

In it, the German diplomat not only congratulated, but also called for the unconditional release of all politically imprisoned people, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. He also called for an end to the civil war and a serious political dialogue.

Such public criticism - especially from diplomats - rarely occurs in the Southeast Asian country. The reaction followed promptly: On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry summoned Licharz to the capital Naypyidaw and handed him a protest note. The message was a serious insult to the head of state and the more than 13 million voters who took part in the recent elections, it said.

Licharz interfered in the country's internal affairs and may have fueled unrest with his "unacceptable" video message. Particularly piquant: The ministry even gave him the freedom to leave Myanmar if he wanted to continue to recognize U Win Myint as president.

"At the meeting, the deputy minister explained that Myanmar, as a country with a consolidated democracy in Europe, expected the charge d'affaires to carry out his duties primarily diplomatically and professionally," the Foreign Ministry statement said. There is also talk of “deliberate behavior” by the chargé d’affaires, “including the choice of location for the video, which appeared to inflame opposition to the host country and its government, foment internal unrest and undermine the credibility of the government.” Such actions could harm national stability.

The German diplomat's behavior also provoked strong criticism from the public - Licharz's behavior on social media was "inappropriate". According to Article 41 paragraph 1 of the Vienna Convention, diplomatic representatives have a duty to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and not to interfere in its internal affairs.

The deputy minister also demanded a formal explanation about the behavior of the German ambassador. Licharz was also warned that if an incident of this kind were to occur again, “appropriate measures would be taken in accordance with international law and established diplomatic practice.”

The German also emphasized in the video message that U Win Myint was by no means truly free despite his release in April. He could neither meet people of his own choosing nor communicate independently. He himself tried in vain to meet the ex-president for months. Licharz also emphasized that U Win Myint will continue to be viewed by the United Nations as the legitimate president of Myanmar. On social networks, many citizens praised the diplomat's courage and statements, while others reacted angrily and with sharp criticism.

Since the 2021 coup, the former Burma has been in a serious crisis. Suu Kyi and U Win Myint were arrested at the time. The former freedom icon (81) is still in custody today. Meanwhile, violence, economic decline and resistance to the military characterize the country. Since the coup, Germany – like many other countries – has not sent a new ambassador to Myanmar.

After an election that was widely criticized internationally, army chief Min Aung Hlaing was declared president by parliament in April. However, critics and international observers do not see this as a genuine democratic process, but as a staged effort to consolidate military power.