Suu Kyi going to ICJ to defend Myanmar in genocide trial at ICJ
Military and government backing one-time democracy icon’s role; Gambia to open case next month on behalf of Islamic nations
swept through northern Rakhine state.
Refugees brought with them accounts of widespread murder, rape and arson -- violence UN investigators branded as genocide.
Myanmar says the operations were justified to root out Rohingya militants and insists its own committees are adequate to investigate allegations of abuse.
Critics say the domestic panels have whitewashed atrocities. Defending the indefensible
The ICJ case will be the first of several international legal attempts to bring
Myanmar to justice over the Rohingya crisis.
Political observer Soe Myint Aung said he did not think Suu Kyi would be heading to The Hague at the military's behest, “although she may wish they reciprocate her actions of goodwill”.
Suu Kyi continues to enjoy huge support inside Myanmar, where the Rohingya are widely viewed as illegal immigrants.
Many praised her decision on Facebook and supporters even plan a rally in solidarity.
“Our leader is showing courage by taking responsibility,” said Myo Nyunt, spokesman for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy ( NLD), admitting the party had not been aware of the surprise decision.
Even though the move will play well domestically, it will also “require her to defend the indefensible, raising further questions about her moral -- and potentially legal -- culpability”, warned independent analyst Richard Horsey.
In a separate legal challenge, the International Criminal Court ( ICC) -another Hague- based tribunal that probes alleged war crimes -- last week authorised a full investigation into the Rohingya crisis.
Myanmar has not signed up to the ICC and therefore rejects its authority.
Rights groups have, meanwhile, filed a third lawsuit in Argentina in which Sun Kyi was personally named.