What is happening in Myanmar?

A quick look into Myanmar’s trouble history:

In 1948 Myanmar became an independent republic marking an end to the British rule. It was ruled by armed forces until 2011 when the military junta finally dissolved giving way to civilian rule. In 2015, Suu Kyi’s NLD party rose to power as they secured the majority of seats in Myanmar’s first openly contested elections in 25 years. Unfortunately, Myanmar has made its way back in the headlines following the military coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi who had recently won the general elections by a landslide.

Who is in charge now?

Power now lies in the hands of military commander in chief Min Aung Hlaing, the man responsible for maintaining the influence of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's military) which secured 25% of all parliamentary seats. He has declared a year-long state of emergency and promised to hold “free and fair” elections once it is over. In the meantime, the military under orders from Hlaing have arrested political leaders as well as protesters voicing opposition. In addition, he has declared martial law imposing restrictions including curfews and limits to gathering: all signs of authoritarianism and repression.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s former leader known for her activism and dedication to democracy, is currently being held in an undisclosed location where she is being tried for violating state secrets and publishing information that might “cause fear or alarm”. Her image has suffered greatly following the Rohingya crisis, however she remains wildly popular at home with the country’s Buddhist majority who have little sympathy for the Muslim minority.

Local and international reactions to the coup

In Myanmar anti-military protests have sparked all over the country including both peaceful and violent demonstrations. These have been met with an overwhelming wave of police brutality killing hundreds of civilians exercising their democratic right to protest. The last time Myanmar saw so much revolt was during the so-called Saffron revolution in 2007.

In spite of Suu Kyi fall from international grace as a result of the Rohingya crisis, the US the UK and the EU have demanded her release and reinstatement claiming that the coup is a breach of “the rule of law and human rights.” On the other hand, response form ASEANs has been more divided. Some countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia expressed concern while other including Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines did not get involve in “Myanmar’s internal affairs”. Myanmar’s neighbour India has also been sceptic to intervene as they do not want to strain its deepening security relationship with the Tatmadaw.

Lastly, the UN called for an emergency security council meeting in which they condemned the coup and called for “urgent and decisive” action to support the people of Myanmar. In short, all hopes were placed on the UN to help Myanmar transition back into its democratic norms.