Nationwide Protests and General Strike Erupt in Myanmar Following Military Coup

The army seized power after alleging fraud in Nov. 8 elections that were swept by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), detaining her.

Myanmar Crisis: Three weeks after the military coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military junta is facing widespread public opposition. A nationwide general strike and daily protests, spearheaded by the Civil Disobedience Movement, have brought businesses to a standstill as citizens demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the restoration of democracy. Authorities have issued warnings of potential "loss of life" for protestors, but citizens continue to defy the threats, with large-scale demonstrations marking the symbolic date of 22.2.2021.

 

Myanmar's Pro-Democracy Movement Defies Junta's Threats

 Myanmar's military, or Tatmadaw, is struggling to quell a massive civil disobedience movement that has swept across the country. Following a military coup on February 1, 2021, which saw the detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party, daily protests and a general strike have brought life to a halt.

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On a significant date for protestors, 22.2.2021, thousands gathered in cities like Yangon, marking the day as a new "uprising" reminiscent of the 8.8.1988 anti-military demonstrations. Despite warnings from state-owned media that protestors could suffer a "loss of life," citizens, including young people and teenagers, continue to demonstrate.

"We don't want the junta, we want democracy. We want to create our own future," said Htet Htet Hlaing, a 22-year-old protestor.

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Military Justifies Coup as International Community Condemns Violence

The military seized power based on unproven allegations of widespread fraud in the November 8 elections, which the NLD won in a landslide. The electoral commission, along with international and domestic observers, has refuted these claims, stating there was no evidence of fraud significant enough to alter the election results.

While security forces' responses have been less severe than in previous crackdowns, violence has escalated. At least three protesters were killed in the city of Mandalay. 

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The foreign ministry, operating under the new military administration, has stated that security forces are "exercising utmost restraint" while rebuking foreign countries for what it calls "flagrant interference."

Several nations, including the U.S., UK, Germany, and Japan, have condemned the coup and the violence against protestors. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the United States would take "firm action" against the authorities responsible for the crackdown. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has also declared that lethal force is unacceptable.

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Economic Impact and Growing Humanitarian Crisis

 The nationwide strike has had a profound impact on Myanmar's economy. Businesses, including international chains like KFC and Food Panda, have closed their doors in solidarity with the protestors. The general strike, coordinated by the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), aims to pressure the military to relinquish control.

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As of the latest reports, more than 640 people, including government officials and activists, have been arrested or charged since the coup. Residents in Yangon reported that some roads leading to foreign embassies were blocked, as these diplomatic missions have become gathering points for people seeking international support. 

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The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights to Myanmar, Tom Andrews, has expressed deep concern over the junta's threats and warned that actions by security forces are being recorded and will lead to accountability, a stark contrast to the 1988 uprising.