Myanmar Summons German Envoy Over Video Calling for Release of Detained Leaders

Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the head of mission at the German embassy, Mathias Licharz, following the release of a video that authorities claim incited internal unrest. The diplomatic friction highlights the ongoing tensions in Myanmar-Germany relations as the international community continues to monitor the political situation in the country.

In the video posted on Sunday, Licharz stood outside the former Yangon residence of Win Myint, the figurehead president of the government ousted in the 2021 military coup. Marking Win Myint’s 75th birthday, the diplomat stated that the United Nations still recognizes him as the legitimate president of Myanmar. Licharz further called for the unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including Win Myint and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar officials summoned the German envoy for calling on the military to release detained political leaders.

Tensions in Myanmar Germany Relations

During a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Ko Ko Kyaw, Licharz was warned against the content of his video and handed an aide-memoire. The ministry stated that the diplomat’s actions appeared to fuel opposition to the government and warned that any similar conduct would be treated with the utmost seriousness. The ministry added that if the Charge d’Affaires wishes to recognize Win Myint as president and discontinue his service in the country, they would have no objection.

Licharz noted in his message that his attempts to meet with Win Myint had been unsuccessful, concluding that the former president is not a free man and lacks the ability to communicate independently. While authorities claimed in April that Win Myint had been pardoned of his post-coup convictions, supporters and analysts suggest these charges were fabricated to remove the government from power. Aung San Suu Kyi remains in detention, with authorities reporting that she was moved to house arrest in the capital, Naypyidaw, earlier this year, where her access remains strictly controlled.

Why it matters

The summons underscores the deepening divide between the military leadership and Western diplomatic missions. Since the 2021 coup ended a decade-long democratic experiment, the country has faced significant instability, including the rise of pro-democracy rebels and intensified ethnic minority conflicts. The incident highlights the fragility of diplomatic channels as the military continues to consolidate its hold over the nation.