What's Currently Happening In Myanmar?

What's Currently Happening In #Myanmar?

The #Myanmar military has seized power by staging a coup. They have detained Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected officials from the National League of Democracy party.

The military has put out a statement declaring a state of emergency for one year after detaining leader Aung San Suu Kyi over non-existent 'election fraud. Military owned television said power has been handed to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

At the moment, the internet, some phone services and communication has been disrupted in Yangon and soldiers have been seen deployed outside its city hall. Tanks were seen as well.

credits: Rebecca Lalrinpuii Fanai

Brief History

Myanmar was under the junta's (military) dictatorship until 2011 when the power was transferred over to the democratic party after a landslide win. During 1988, student-led uprisings in Myanmar against the military led to extreme bloodshed. Many are worried this event will re-occur

Photo credits: NY Times

BACI Statement on the Military Coup in Myanmar

Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), Indianapolis, IN, USA on February 1, 2021 issued the following statement regarding the Military Coup in Burma/Myanmar

1. We condemn the military coup in Myanmar and the unlawful arrest of civilian leaders which poses a grave danger of bringing the country and its people back under dictatorship, resulting in extreme poverty, and dark periods with an uncertain future.

2. Recognizing the best interest of the people of Myanmar, we urge the military to reverse their actions and immediately release all detainees including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, other civilian leaders, elected officials and civil society leaders.

3. We urge the Myanmar diaspora, the people of Myanmar, all ethnic political parties, and ethnic armed organizations (EAO) to stand united in expressing their voices in opposition to the military takeover and to demand that the military begin implementing the results of the general elections held on November 8, 2020.

4. We appeal to the international community for a unified response that it is unacceptable for the military to seize power against the will of the people. Recognizing the danger of perpetuating the military grip of power, we recommend the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) swiftly intervene in the crisis in Myanmar with coordinated efforts.

5. We thank the United States -and the international community- for expressing their concerns on the horrible events unfolding in Myanmar, for supporting the people of Myanmar, and for their intent to take action against those responsible if the attempts to alter the outcome of the recent elections are not reversed. We sincerely request that the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress follow through in leading the international community in helping Myanmar's democratic transition.

6. Fully recognizing the importance of upholding the democratic principles and the rule of law, and deeply concerned about the welfare of the 54-million people in Myanmar, especially amidst COVID-19, we are determined to join the international community and democratic forces to do everything we can to help ensure that the military reverse their actions, engage in a meaningful dialogue respecting the will of the people of Myanmar expressed in free, fair and credible elections, follow the constitution they themselves drafted, abide by the rule of law, and allow for a peaceful democratic transition in Myanmar.

Burmese American Community Institute
February 1, 2021
Indianapolis, IN, USA