Myanmar Expels Timor-Leste Diplomat Amidst War Crimes Case

Myanmar’s military junta has expelled Timor-Leste’s top diplomat, Elisio do Rosario de Sousa, after the Southeast Asian nation accepted a legal case alleging war crimes committed by the regime. The expulsion, ordered on February 16, 2026, marks a significant escalation in tensions and represents the first instance of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member state initiating legal proceedings against another within the bloc. The diplomat has been ordered to exit the country by February 20, 2026.

A Bold Move by Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, Asia’s youngest nation having gained independence in 2002 and joining ASEAN in 2025, initiated the legal proceedings following a complaint filed by the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), which represents Myanmar’s Chin ethnic minority. A senior Timorese prosecutor has been appointed to examine the criminal file submitted by the CHRO. The case details allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including gang rape, the massacre of civilians, and attacks on civilian infrastructure like hospitals and religious buildings.

Junta’s Response and Accusations

Myanmar’s foreign ministry has condemned the investigation as a “great disappointment,” accusing Timor-Leste of violating articles of the ASEAN Charter that emphasize respect for sovereignty and non-interference. The junta also expressed its displeasure with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta’s reception of CHRO representatives in January 2026.

Broader Context of Myanmar’s Human Rights Crisis

Myanmar’s military seized power in a 2021 coup, overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, the regime has been accused of widespread war crimes and human rights abuses against ethnic minorities and its own citizens. The coup triggered widespread resistance, which has evolved into a civil war with various militia groups controlling parts of the country.

The junta is already facing prosecution at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague over allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, a case brought by The Gambia.

Previous Diplomatic Tensions

This is not the first time Myanmar’s junta has taken action against Timorese diplomats. In August 2023, a previous Chargé d’Affaires was expelled for Timor-Leste’s engagement with the National Unity Government, Myanmar’s opposition group.

Implications for ASEAN

Timor-Leste’s decision to pursue legal action against Myanmar challenges the principle of non-interference that has traditionally characterized ASEAN. The junta had previously threatened to obstruct Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN, viewing its actions as interference in internal affairs, but those efforts were unsuccessful, with Timor-Leste officially becoming the 11th member in October 2025.

This case raises questions about ASEAN’s ability to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar and whether the bloc will prioritize internal cohesion over accountability for alleged atrocities.