Myanmar Junta Signs $3M Lobby Deal to Rebuild US Relations

Myanmar's military-led government has signed a $3 million annual contract with the Washington lobbying firm DCI Group to help restore relations with the United States amid ongoing political tensions. The deal, formalized on July 31, coincides with Myanmar's nominal transfer of power to a civilian-led interim government, though military chief Min Aung Hlaing retains effective control as acting president and armed forces chief. The lobbying effort aims to promote cooperation on trade, natural resources, and humanitarian relief while seeking to ease US sanctions and tariffs imposed on Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing has praised President Donald Trump's leadership and requested tariff reductions and sanction relief, offering to send negotiators to Washington. The DCI Group, known for its Republican connections and previous controversial work for Myanmar’s military, will engage in public affairs services despite unclear impacts of existing US sanctions on the agreement. Human rights advocates have condemned the lobbying deal as an attempt to whitewash the military's record amid ongoing accusations of human rights abuses and genocide.