Less than a month ago, the Myanmar military launched a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the ruling party. Declaring a state of emergency for a year, the military handed over power to their senior general. 

Why did they stage a coup?

On Nov. 8, 2020, Myanmar held an election and the National League for Democracy party won. The military has since rejected the result. One possible reason is that armed forces live a separate life compared to everyday citizens. Having access to their own TV station, hospitals and school systems, it is no surprise that they see Myanmar in a different light and exclaim voter fraud. 

Roadmap to the coup

November 3 – Army chief Gen Min Aung Hlaing accuses Aung Suu Kyi’s government of failings. 

November 8 – National League for Democracy wins 83% of the seats in the Myanmar democratic election. The military cites voter fraud as their (the NLD) reason for winning. 

November 11 – The Union Solidarity and Development party, which is military-backed, refuses to recognize the result.

January 26 – Major General Zaw Min Tun warns of a coup.

January 29 – Global democracies and the United Nations oppose any attempt by the army to alter the outcome of the election. 

January 30 – The military said it will protect the 2008 constitution.

February 1 - Myanmar’s leader and other government officials are arrested, phone and internet services are cut and the coup is launched. The coup was announced on TV through the military-owned Myawaddy station. Television broadcasts, international and domestic flights were all suspended soon after the announcement. 

Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?

Aung San Suu Kyi rose to power in 2006 as a democratically elected state councilor. She had previously spent 15 years under house arrest due to her pro-democracy campaigns. In 1991 she won a Nobel Peace Prize for her work. On Feb. 3, she was detained by the military for possessing illegally imported walkie-talkies, a crime that could potentially see her spending three years in prison. 

What’s happening with the protests?

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to demand justice, expressing their anger and opposition for weeks against military rule. They demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, other government officials and the end of military rule. 

Young people, namely students, believe their futures have been taken away. One student, speaking from Taunggyi, said, “I don’t want to look back some day and think that things did not change because I didn’t help bring change.” 

Civil disobedience 

In a small village in Kayah State in Eastern Myanmar, a group of 42 policemen and women declared their allegiance to the democratically elected government. Local residents joined their side as a sign of solidarity, blocking the officers from being arrested. Meanwhile, civil servants and ship workers risk their jobs by joining the marches and going on strike. Banging pots and pans have become a widespread gesture of defiance.

Violence by military and police

U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced sanctions against members of the Myanmar military for human rights violations. Raab said, “The U.K. condemns the military coup and the arbitrary detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures. We, alongside our international allies will hold the Myanmar military to account for their violations of human rights and pursue justice for the Myanmar people.” 

At least two people have been killed as police have started to use live ammunition on protesters. 20-year-old Mya Thwe Thwe Khaing was shot in the head during a rally in the capital. However, police denied using lethal force. Her death sparked widespread protests against the brutality. One social media tribute said, “We will regard you as our martyr. We will bring justice for your loss.”

Despite starting as civil disobedience and mass marches, pressure is mounting to curb the growing opportunity of the military to further disperse crowds using violent forces. Teargas, water cannons and rubber bullets have already been used against protesters. 

Since the coup, Myanmar has endured five internet shutdowns where Facebook and Twitter have been blocked. In a bid to get around the restrictions, citizens have started to use virtual private networks (VPNs). Top10VPN reported a 7,200% increase in local demand for VPNs after social media was blocked. Full control over communications allows the military to actively keep surveillance on people in Myanmar and block freedoms of expression. 

Has there been any international reaction to the coup? 

Several global leaders have demanded that the Myanmar military free government officials. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the “vote of the people must be respected and civilian leaders released.” U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States “opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed.”

Protests continue to end in bloodshed. More international condemnation in the form of sanctions should take place to ensure Myanmar sees their democracy restored and government officials freed. The military needs to accept the November election result and the wish of the people.