"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

Photo Caption and Credit: Teachers protesting in Hpa-An by Ninjastrickers/Wikipedia.

Like their neighbors in Thailand, the people of Myanmar (which is also called Burma) adopted the Hunger Games three-finger salute as a symbol of resistance. Since early February, they have used that symbol during peaceful protests against a military coup d'état. Speaking out against the military can be dangerous. At least 2,667 people have been detained, often in late-night clandestine raids. With the military severely limiting media access and communications, how can we help Myanmar?

"Day of Shame."
On February 1, 2021, the Tatmadaw (the official name of the military) seized control of the country after the democratic election of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. The military junta blocked roads and disrupted access to mobile and internet communications. They also detained 24 senior officials and announced new leadership. Protests ensued on Armed Forces Day in late March and the situation escalated into lethal violence. Security forces killed approximately 90 people, including children. Myanmar's deposed politicians, who are in detention or hiding, released a statement, “Today is a day of shame for the armed forces."

Military media control.
Getting a clear picture of what is happening is challenging. Under new policies, few journalists are permitted to enter Myanmar and many journalists based in Myanmar have already been detained. CNN is the first international outlet that has been given permission to enter the country and report on conditions. However, they are being trailed by "minders" and are forced to live in a military compound. At great personal risk, eleven residents spoke to CNN and were arrested by the military. On April 6, CNN reported that eight of the eleven residents had been released.

To sanction or not to sanction?
On April 8, the U.S. announced sanctions against Myanmar's state-owned gem company, blocking access to assets in the United States and prohibiting American business relationships. The U.S. and UK imposed sanctions against Myanmar's military conglomerates, while Canada and the European Union enacted sanctions against individuals in the military. Will the sanctions work? That depends on how much the military values the country's Western trading partners. Myanmar relies heavily on Asian nations, such as China, Singapore, and Thailand, for investments. To date, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has refused to consider sanctions. China agrees with ASEAN's approach.

Support independent journalism: Myanmar Now is an independent outlet still reporting from within the country. Their work has raised crucial international awareness about the coup, ongoing protests, harsh detainments, and murders. You can share their articles, directly amplifying voices and stories from Myanmar, and donate to help continue their operations.