And Malaysia has deported Myanmar nationals despite a court order to suspend their repatriation following appeals by human rights groups. Singapore also warned against planned protests over Myanmar. In Thailand, immigration authorities warned that foreigners engaging in protests risk the revocation of their visas. Some neighbouring countries seem impervious to the human rights violations and have imposed restrictions on domestic protests. This will add fuel to the fire given that she remains the iconic and popular champion of democracy in Myanmar. The generals plan to remove Aung San Suu Kyi from the political arena through sham trials. The military’s abuse of the judicial system compounds the quagmire. But calls from the public for constitutional reform may grow louder, threatening to end the military’s grip on the country. Lawlessness began with the junta’s abuse of the rhetoric of ‘public emergency’ under the 2008 Constitution after the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) failed to make electoral gains the in November election. The conflict risks becoming even more violent with the Kachin Independence Army vowing to fight the junta. The Committee Representing the Union Parliament, comprised of members of parliament not allowed to take their seats, invoked the people’s right to self-defence. The junta has been backed into a corner as people across Myanmar protest, determined not to compromise. The junta has shot itself in both feet by overthrowing the legitimate civilian government that won the election decisively in November 2020 and by killing peaceful protesters. Lawlessness is increasing the likelihood of a protracted civil war, perhaps even revolution, in Myanmar following the military coup on 1 February 2021. Lawlessness threatens to plunge Myanmar into protracted civil war 23 March 2021Īuthor: Robin Ramcharan, Asia Centre, Bangkok ( Read the Sankei Shimbun editorial in Japanese at this link.Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific EDITORIAL | Democratization the Key to Stopping Chinese Advances in Myanmar.EDITORIAL | Coup in Myanmar Defies Will of the People, Setback for Democracy.Japanese Enterprises in Distress in Myanmar Amid Riots Against the Military Coup.Now is just the time for the international community, including Japan, to take action to remedy the Myanmar situation. There can be no denying that the ongoing confrontation between the military and pro-democracy forces could develop into a large-scale armed conflict. Myanmar has a history of protracted civil wars with minority ethnic groups. The opposition National Unity Government of Myanmar, launched by pro-democratic forces in Myanmar, announced a “people’s defense war” on September 7, even saying it was ready to fight. Military backed opposition party does not recognize results (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)Īccording to local human rights groups in Myanmar, more than 1,100 civilians have been killed by the military and police since the coup began. Police stop protesters outside Union Election Commission office, Nov. Security Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Many countries, however, have been hesitant to act on their own initiative to address the human rights record and security situation in Myanmar, even while talking about the importance of these values.Ĭountries with strong ties to Myanmar, including Japan, should create a mechanism conducive to resolving the problem, in cooperation with the U.N. The international community has never been indifferent to the Myanmar situation, as shown by the summit talks of Quad leaders in Washington in late September, where the joint statement of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India made it clear they were taking up the Myanmar issue. It appears that Beijing is attempting to expand its influence over Myanmar’s military regime. It is profoundly problematic that China has thrown its support behind the Myanmar military, acting in favor of the military behind the scenes in U.N. Some of the posters carried by pro-democracy protesters,