Roger Stone, a longtime ally of Donald Trump, has faced condemnation for accepting $50,000 a month to provide lobbying services to Myanmar's military junta. The US lobbyist is tasked with 'rebuilding' relations between Washington and the military-backed government, which has been internationally isolated since seizing power in a 2021 coup.
According to documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, Stone's firm, DCI Group, is providing 'public affairs services' to Myanmar's ministry of information. The services aim to improve ties between Myanmar and the US, focusing on trade, natural resources, and humanitarian relief.
Stone, 73, is a convicted political strategist who was granted clemency by Trump in 2020 after being sentenced for obstructing a congressional investigation. Justice for Myanmar, a civil society group, accused Stone and DCI Group of profiting 'from a heavily sanctioned junta that is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity with total impunity'.
The US has imposed sanctions on Myanmar's military over alleged genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority and the 2021 coup. The coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, plunging the country into economic turmoil and civil war. UN experts and rights groups have accused the military of repeated atrocities against civilians.
Myanmar's military rulers held widely condemned 'sham' elections earlier this year, with coup leader Min Aung Hlaing appointed president last month. Conflict continues across the country, with over 450 people killed in air and drone strikes in March alone, according to conflict monitor Acled.
