The Myanmar government announced the revocation of Ja Mo Tun's status as the country's permanent representative to the United Nations, accusing him of illegal activities, unauthorized use of state assets and funds, and collaboration with the National Unity Government (NUG). The government is coordinating with Interpol and U.S. authorities for legal proceedings.
The Myanmar government stated that Ja Mo Tun, Myanmar’s permanent representative to the United Nations, is engaged in activities the government deems "illegal acts," and officially announced his removal and the cancellation of his status as Myanmar’s representative.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar said in a statement released through state media that Ja Mo Tun was dismissed from his post on 27 February 2021 for failing to comply with government orders and policies. He is also accused of hostile acts against the state and expressing loyalty to organizations the Myanmar government has declared illegal.
Previously, on 26 February 2021, just weeks after the military coup, Ja Mo Tun delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, urging the international community not to recognize the legitimacy of Myanmar’s military, which had seized power from the elected government.
Ja Mo Tun was appointed as Myanmar’s permanent representative to the UN by the previous government led by Aung San Suu Kyi before the military takeover in 2021, an event that triggered prolonged conflict and civil war in Myanmar.
Although the military government announced his dismissal, Ja Mo Tun’s status as Myanmar’s permanent representative to the UN remains unchanged because the UN Credentials Committee has postponed deciding who should represent Myanmar. The committee is expected to meet after the UN General Assembly session in New York later this month, potentially discussing the dispute over Myanmar’s representation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar further accused Ja Mo Tun of continuing to use government property despite his dismissal, including Myanmar’s permanent mission office at the UN in New York, the official residence of the head of mission, and government vehicles.
Additionally, the Myanmar government stated that as of February 2021, the bank account of Myanmar’s UN mission held approximately 2.76 million U.S. dollars and 38,233.62 euros in state funds. It alleged that these funds were withdrawn and used without state authorization, demanding that Ja Mo Tun explain the use of the money and provide supporting evidence.
The Myanmar government also accused Ja Mo Tun of directly communicating with the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), both designated by Myanmar authorities as illegal and terrorist organizations. They claimed he acted as a representative for these groups, using the UN platform to support NUG’s political stance, legitimize the parallel government, and facilitate fundraising.
The Ministry further alleged that Ja Mo Tun supported or defended violent acts classified by the government as terrorism, presenting these issues on international stages.
Based on these accusations, the Yangon District Court filed case number 32/2021 against Ja Mo Tun for treason under Section 122(2) of the Penal Code and issued an arrest warrant. Additional charges include violations of the Unlawful Associations Act, the Protection of Public Property Act, Section 124-A of the Penal Code, anti-terrorism laws, and telecommunications law Section 66(d).
The Myanmar government stated that Ja Mo Tun is currently declared a fugitive under Sections 87 and 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and the court has issued related orders.
Regarding legal efforts, the Myanmar government said it has coordinated through Interpol and the U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB), as well as diplomatic channels, collaborating with the Myanmar embassy in Washington, D.C., to work with relevant U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The Myanmar government clarified that Ja Mo Tun’s continued role as Myanmar’s UN representative does not imply UN recognition of his legitimacy or that of the side he represents. His status remains provisional because the UN Credentials Committee has repeatedly postponed its decision on Myanmar’s representation.
Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar officially informed the United Nations, the international community, and foreign governments with diplomatic ties to Myanmar that Ja Mo Tun’s status as Myanmar’s representative has been revoked. It emphasized that any statements or actions by him deemed provocative by the government do not represent the Republic of the Union of Myanmar or its people as a whole.