Yangon, Myanmar – Myanmar’s military junta has expelled Timor-Leste’s top diplomat, Elisio do Rosario de Sousa, the charge d’affaires of Timor-Leste’s embassy in Yangon, after the Southeast Asian nation accepted a legal case alleging war crimes committed by the regime. The move, announced on February 16, 2026, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries and represents a bold stance by Timor-Leste against Myanmar’s military government. This development underscores the growing international scrutiny of the junta’s actions following its 2021 coup and the ongoing human rights crisis within the country.
The expulsion comes after Timor-Leste initiated legal proceedings against the junta, including its leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, based on a complaint filed by the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO). The CHRO represents Myanmar’s Chin ethnic minority, who have been repeatedly targeted by the military. The case alleges both war crimes and crimes against humanity. This action by Timor-Leste is particularly noteworthy as It’s the first time a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has taken such direct legal action against another member state, challenging the regional bloc’s principle of non-interference.
Timor-Leste’s Historic Move and Asean’s Response
Timor-Leste, Asia’s youngest nation, gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and joined Asean in 2025. Its decision to pursue legal action against Myanmar demonstrates a willingness to prioritize human rights concerns over traditional diplomatic protocols. The junta has reacted strongly to the move, calling the investigations a “great disappointment” and accusing Timor-Leste of violating articles within the Asean Charter that emphasize respect for sovereignty and non-interference. The Independent reports that Myanmar’s foreign ministry has ordered de Sousa to leave the country by February 20.
This situation highlights the internal divisions within Asean regarding how to address the crisis in Myanmar. While some member states have advocated for stronger action, others have been reluctant to intervene directly, citing the principle of non-interference. Timor-Leste’s move could potentially encourage other Asean members to reconsider their approach and take a more assertive stance against the junta’s abuses.
Myanmar’s History of Alleged Abuses and Ongoing Conflict
Myanmar’s military has faced decades of accusations of war crimes and human rights abuses, particularly targeting the country’s ethnic minorities. The 2021 coup, which overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, plunged the nation into further turmoil. The coup was initially met with widespread nonviolent resistance, but has since escalated into a full-scale civil war, with numerous militia groups now controlling parts of the country.
The junta is already defending itself against allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, a case brought by The Gambia. The recent case initiated by Timor-Leste adds another layer of legal pressure on the regime and could further isolate it internationally. President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste has been a vocal critic of Myanmar’s military junta, consistently condemning its actions and advocating for accountability.
The Chin Human Rights Organization’s Role
The legal proceedings in Timor-Leste were initiated following a complaint by the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO). The CHRO has documented extensive human rights violations against the Chin people, including killings, torture, and forced displacement. By bringing the case to Timor-Leste, the CHRO sought a venue where the junta could be held accountable for its actions, particularly given the limitations of pursuing justice within Myanmar itself.
Implications and Future Steps
The expulsion of Timor-Leste’s diplomat is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. It remains to be seen how the junta will respond to the legal proceedings initiated by Timor-Leste, and whether other Asean members will follow suit. The case is expected to proceed in Timor-Leste’s courts, potentially leading to indictments and arrest warrants for Myanmar’s military leaders. Reuters notes that this action by Timor-Leste is a significant development in the international effort to hold Myanmar’s military accountable for its actions.
The next key development will be Timor-Leste’s formal response to the junta’s expulsion of its diplomat. Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected in the coming months, as Timor-Leste’s courts begin to examine the evidence presented by the CHRO. The international community will be closely watching these developments, as they could have significant implications for the future of Myanmar and the role of Asean in addressing the ongoing crisis.
This represents a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
