Former Foreign Ministers and UN Experts Urge International Recognition of Myanmar's Ousted NUG President — Diplomatic Push Amid Junta Legitimization Efforts

Former foreign ministers from multiple countries and United Nations human rights experts issued a formal call on May 7, 2026, urging international recognition of Myanmar's National Unity Government's acting president, Duwa Lashi La, as the legitimate head of state — explicitly rejecting the legitimacy of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's April 10 civilian presidential inauguration. The call comes amid the junta's ongoing effort to secure regional and international recognition through its December 2025 elections (rejected by the US, EU, ASEAN democracies, and UN as illegitimate) and the diplomatic symbolism of Min Aung Hlaing's April 10 presidential inauguration attended by China and India envoys. Myanmar Now reported on the call. The initiative follows the Inter-Parliamentary Union's April 19 recognition of the CRPH as Myanmar's legitimate parliamentary representative, the EU's renewal of sanctions against junta-linked entities on April 28, and ongoing international pressure campaigns. Recognition of the NUG president would represent a significant escalation in international isolation of the SAC and a formal break from the diplomatic ambiguity that has characterized most governments' responses since 2021. The call mirrors similar recognition campaigns for Venezuela's Juan Guaidó and the NUG's requests for formal government-to-government relations with democratic states.