The United Nations faces a dilemma in deciding which faction to recognize as Myanmar's legitimate representative—the democratically elected National Unity Government (NUG) or the military-led State Administration Council (SAC) that seized power in a 2021 coup. Staff editor Alexandra Haggerty explores the implications of the UN’s indecision, weighing the choice between making a symbolic stand against repressive regimes by accrediting the NUG, or engaging in dialogue with the SAC, which could potentially foster cooperation but risks legitimizing the military junta. Haggerty argues that the UN should accredit the NUG to send a clear message against the legitimacy of military coups and repression, despite the advantages in establishing direct ties with Myanmar’s government.
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