NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR — February 15, 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar has officially ordered the expulsion of the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Timor-Leste, Mr. Elisio do Rosario de Sousa. In a statement released today, the Myanmar government instructed the diplomat to leave Myanmar territory no later than February 20, 2026, citing “unconstructive engagement” with opposition groups and interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs.

Key Drivers of the Conflict The diplomatic fallout stems from the activities of the President of Timor-Leste regarding the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO). Myanmar authorities condemned a January 14, 2026 meeting between the President of Timor-Leste and CHRO members, who have filed criminal complaints against the Myanmar Armed Forces.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the engagement as a violation of the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), specifically the principles of non-interference and respect for sovereignty.

Timeline of Escalation

  • January 16, 2026: Myanmar summoned the Chargé d’Affaires to express strong condemnation and demand clarification regarding the meeting with the CHRO.
  • January 29, 2026: During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu, Philippines, Myanmar reiterated its protest. Timor-Leste reportedly promised a formal clarification letter within a week.
  • Recent Developments: The situation deteriorated after reports emerged that Timor-Leste had formally accepted the case submitted by the CHRO and appointed a senior prosecutor to examine the file. Myanmar termed this an "unprecedented practice" among ASEAN member states.

Official Stance Citing Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), Myanmar declared the diplomat persona non grata. The Ministry stated that despite warnings, Timor-Leste's leadership has "frequently interfered in the internal affairs of Myanmar."

The statement concluded by asserting Myanmar's commitment to maintaining friendly relations with nations that uphold the principles of equality and non-interference enshrined in the ASEAN Charter.

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