Geschäftsträger einbestellt: Diplomatischer Eklat zwischen Deutschland und Myanmar

In Myanmar, a diplomatic incident has erupted between the military government and Germany following German businessman Mathias Licharz's recent video message celebrating the 75th birthday of former President U Win Myint. In the message, Licharz not only congratulated U Win Myint but also called for the unconditional release of all politically imprisoned individuals, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

He demanded an end to the civil war and earnest political dialogue. Such public criticism from diplomats is rare in this Southeast Asian country. The response was swift: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered Licharz to be detained in the capital, Naypyidaw, and handed him a protest note, accusing the German envoy of a severe insult to the head of state and the more than 13 million voters who participated in recent elections.

The Ministry claimed that Licharz's behavior was meddling in the country's internal affairs and could have incited unrest. Licharz was even offered the option to leave Myanmar if he continued to acknowledge U Win Myint as the president. Licharz also emphasized that U Win Myint, despite his release in April, was not truly free, as he could not make political decisions or communicate independently.

He had himself been trying to meet U Win Myint for months. Many citizens praised the diplomat's courage and statements on social media. Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been in crisis. Suu Kyi and U Win Myint were arrested during that time. The former freedom icon (81) remains in custody. Meanwhile, violence, economic decline, and resistance against the military dominate the country.

Since the change of power, Germany - like many other nations - has not sent a new ambassador to Myanmar. Following a highly controversial election, Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing was appointed president by parliament in April, but critics and international observers see this as a staged process to solidify military power, rather than a genuine democratic transition.