Energy giants pulling the plug on junta

Total Energies and Chevron, two of the world’s largest energy companies, are stopping all operations in Myanmar, citing rampant human rights abuses and the deteriorating rule of law since the country’s military overthrew the elected government last February.

The announcement came just a day after French company Total called for international sanctions targeting the oil and gas sector, one of the military government’s main sources of funding.

Total and Chevron had come under increasing pressure over their role in running the offshore Yadana gas field, along with the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise.

Since the takeover, the military has cracked down brutally against dissent, abducting young men and boys, killing health care workers, and torturing prisoners. Almost 1500 civilians are estimated to have been killed, and more than 11,000 arrested for political offences.

About 50 per cent of Myanmar’s foreign currency earnings come from natural gas revenues. United States and European sanctions against Myanmar’s military have excluded the oil and gas industry.

There was no firm time frame for Chevron’s exit, but Total said it expected its departure to be finalised within six months.

Meanwhile, two prominent political activists in Myanmar have been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Ko Jimmy, and Phyo Zeyar Thaw, also known as Maung Kyaw, were convicted under the country’s counterterrorism law in a closed military court.

Kyaw Min Yu is one of the leaders of the 88 Generation Students Group, veterans of a popular uprising that failed to unseat a previous military government. Phyo Zeyar Thaw is a former MP with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party.