Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 06/Aug 18:44

From 8888 To Spring Revolution: Myanmar’s Enduring Fight For Democracy – OpEd

This week marks the 36th anniversary of the 8888 Uprising, a pivotal moment in Myanmar's struggle for democracy that continues to inspire the ongoing Spring Revolution. The roots of resistance against military rule in Myanmar stretch back to 1962, when General Ne Win seized power in a coup, establishing a military-socialist regime under the "Burmese Way to Socialism." Initial Resistance of 1962 The first major act of resistance occurred on July 7, 1962, when students at Rangoon University protested against the new military government's oppressive policies. The military's response was brutal, dynamiting the Student Union building and killing an estimated 100 students, setting a precedent for future crackdowns. Subsequent Uprisings Despite this brutality, resistance persisted: 1974 U Thant Funeral Crisis: Protests erupted when the government refused to give former UN Secretary-General U Thant a state funeral. 1974-1975 Worker Strikes: Workers in various sectors, including oil, went on strike due to economic grievances and oppressive conditions. The military responded harshly with a pre-dawn military operation at the Sinmalike Dockyards where the strikers congregated, arresting many and executing many strike leaders.  1976 Thakin Kodaw Hmaing's 100th Birthday: Protests around this event served as another rallying point for broader discontent. 1987 Currency Demonetization Protests: The sudden invalidation of certain currency notes led to widespread economic hardship and protests. It's important to note that while events like U Thant's funeral and Thakin Kodaw Hmaing's birthday served as catalysts, the real reasons behind these protests were economic hardship and political oppression under the military regime. The 8888 Uprising The 8888 Uprising began with student protests at Rangoon universities and quickly spread across the country. As the movement gained momentum, Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as a national icon. On August 26, 1988, she addressed a massive crowd at Shwedagon Pagoda, calling for democratic reform and non-violent protest, catapulting her to the forefront of the pro-democracy movement. The military's response was brutal. On September 18, 1988, the army seized power in a coup, establishing the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). Thousands of protesters were killed, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 deaths. Despite the crackdown, Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues formed the National League for Democracy (NLD) to continue the fight for democratic reform. International Response to 8888 Uprising The international community's response to the 8888 Uprising was notably limited: Western governments and Japan cut aid to Myanmar. India condemned the suppression, closed its borders, and set up refugee camps. The UN and neighboring countries were criticized for not taking stronger action. The international response was insufficient to force significant changes, allowing the military junta to remain in power and ignore the 1990 election results. The aftermath of the 8888 Uprising Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as a national icon and leader of the pro-democracy movement. Formation of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. A concessionary election held in 1990, was won by NLD overwhelmingly (81% of seats), but the military junta refused to recognize the results and continued to rule. Widespread arrests and imprisonment of protesters and democracy activists.  Many student leaders of the uprising became lifelong human rights activists and leaders of the Burmese pro-democracy movement. Many of them went into exile. Some activists continued their efforts and played roles in later pro-democracy movements, such as the 2007 Saffron Revolution. The 88 Generation Students Group, named after the events of August 8, 1988, was formed. It organized one of the first protests that led to the Saffron Revolution. Continued military rule under various names (SLORC, later State Peace and Development Council) until a gradual liberalization began in 2010. In summary, while the immediate aftermath saw brutal suppression of the resistance, the 8888 Uprising set the stage for ongoing pro-democracy efforts in Myanmar over the following decades, despite continued military dominance. Post-1988 Struggles Resistance continued through various forms, including the 1990 elections (won by the NLD but ignored by the military), student protests in 1996-1997, and the 2007 Saffron Revolution. Transition to Quasi-Democracy (2011-2021) Following years of international pressure, Myanmar entered a period of quasi-democracy from 2011 to 2021. This era saw the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in 2010 and the NLD's electoral victories in 2012 and 2015. However, the military retained significant power, controlling key ministries and a quarter of parliamentary seats. The 2008 constitution, drafted by the military regime, has been a major obstacle to genuine democracy in Myanmar. It allocates 25% of parliamentary seats to military appointees, grants the military control over key ministries, and fails to adequately protect fundamental rights or address the aspirations of ethnic minorities. Like its predecessors, it does not allow for the free expression of public opinion or grant full governing authority to elected civilian governments. The period of quasi-democracy from 2011 to 2021 came about through a carefully managed transition by the military: International pressure and sanctions had taken a toll on Myanmar's economy and global standing, pushing the military to initiate reforms. The 2008 constitution, drafted by the military, paved the way for a controlled transition while enshrining significant power for the military. In 2011, the military transferred power to a nominally civilian government led by former general Thein Sein, initiating a series of reforms. Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in 2010, and her party, the NLD, was allowed to participate in by-elections in 2012. The NLD won a landslide victory in the 2015 general election, leading to a power-sharing arrangement between the civilian government and the military. However, this quasi-democracy was inadequate because: The military retained control over key ministries and 25% of parliamentary seats, giving them veto power over constitutional changes. The 2008 constitution barred Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president, forcing her to rule through a proxy as "State Counsellor." The military maintained significant economic interests through two major conglomerates. The civilian government had no authority over the armed forces, limiting its ability to address human rights issues and ethnic conflicts. Democratic reforms were shallow, with press freedoms and civil society still heavily restricted. The Spring Revolution The current Spring Revolution, ignited by the February 1, 2021, military coup, echoes the 8888 Uprising. The junta's violent crackdown has only strengthened the resolve of the Myanmar people. This new wave of resistance is characterized by its inclusivity, creativity, and technological savvy. The younger generation, having tasted a measure of freedom during the brief period of quasi-democracy, is at the forefront of the struggle, harnessing digital tools to coordinate protests and garner international support. The Spring Revolution has expanded beyond traditional forms of protest to include civil disobedience, economic boycotts, and armed resistance. The formation of the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the National Unity Government (NUG) reflects the movement's evolution and determination to challenge the military's grip on power. Armed Resistance and Territorial Gains Armed resistance has achieved significant successes, marking a turning point in the ongoing struggle. The resistance forces have made substantial territorial gains across the country. While exact numbers are difficult to verify, estimates suggest that the resistance now controls a significant portion of Myanmar's territory. Some reports indicate that the military's control has been reduced to less than half of the country, with resistance forces and ethnic armed organizations holding sway over large swathes of land, particularly in border areas and ethnic minority regions. In Shan State, the Three Brotherhood Alliance has captured hundreds of military outposts and dozens of towns since launching "Operation 1027" in late 2023. Intense fighting has been reported in and around strategic locations, including Lashio, which houses the military's Northeast Command headquarters. The resistance forces have claimed control of Lashio at the end of July 2024, though the situation remains fluid and contested. The major gem mining town of Mogok, a significant source of revenue for the military, which is only 200 kilometers away from Mandalay, the northern capital of Northern Myanmar, had been captured by the resistance. The people of Mogok welcomed the resistance forces ceremoniously. In Kayah State (Karenni), the Karenni National Defence Forces (KNDF) have taken control of about half of Loikaw, the state capital, as well as several other towns. The Arakan Army (AA) has also made significant gains in Rakhine State, capturing several strategic military outposts and effectively controlling large areas. These successes demonstrate the growing capabilities of ethnic armed organizations and resistance forces in challenging the military's dominance. Interethnic Relations The resistance movement has seen improvements in interethnic relations and a growing sense of unity. The People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and the ethnic armies are fighting side. The people of Myanmar including most of the ethnic minorities, are demanding systemic change, including a new constitution that would fully subordinate the military to civilian control and ensure genuine federal democracy. International Response to Spring Revolution The international community's response to the Spring Revolution has been similarly limited: The U.S. and EU have imposed sanctions on entities and individuals funding the military. ASEAN has attempted to mediate, with limited success. China and Russia have blocked stronger UN Security Council action. Overall, the international response has again fallen short of decisive action that could significantly alter the course of events. Increased international pressure is crucial in supporting this goal. While sanctions and diplomatic efforts have had some impact, more concerted action is needed to isolate the military regime, cut off its sources of funding and arms, and support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people. The Role of the U.S. and International Community The United States and the international community can play a pivotal role in supporting Myanmar's transition towards civic nationalism form the currently prevalent ethno-nationalism while ensuring that these efforts do not antagonize China, a key regional player with significant influence in Myanmar. The international community should provide at least substantial Humanitarian Assistance for the internally displaced people. Instead of just echoing the military junta propaganda of the fear of fragmentation, the following actions will be more beneficial: Funding educational and health programs that promote civic values and human rights, focusing on areas with significant ethnic diversity. Technical assistance for constitutional reforms, educational initiatives, and economic policies that align with civic nationalist principles with training and capacity-building programs for local leaders and civil society. Unless the mindsets of the people change from ethno-nationalism to civic nationalism, lasting peace and prosperity will remain elusive. Prospects The people of Myanmar are steadfast in their demand for systemic change. They are not merely seeking a return to the quasi-democracy of 2011-2021, but a complete overhaul of the political system that would prevent the military from ever seizing power again. This includes calls for a new constitution that would fully subordinate the military to civilian control and ensure genuine federal democracy, protect fundamental rights, establish robust checks and balances, and allow for free and fair elections without military interference. This call for systemic change reflects a deep-seated desire to break free from the cycle of military dominance and establish a truly democratic system that respects the rights and aspirations of all citizens. yaConclusion From 8888 to the Spring Revolution, the struggle for democracy in Myanmar continues. Despite the limited international response to both uprisings and the inadequacies of the quasi-democratic period, the unwavering spirit of the Myanmar people persists. With each passing day, they move closer to realizing their vision of a free, democratic, and federalist nation where the military is firmly under civilian control. The parallels between these uprisings highlight both the ongoing struggle and the persistent challenges in mobilizing effective international support for Myanmar's pro-democracy movement. References and further reading suggestions: Books: "The Hidden History of Burma: Race, Capitalism, and the Crisis of Democracy in the 21st Century" by Thant Myint-U Provides a comprehensive look at Burma's modern history, including the military's role and the struggle for democracy. "Finding George Orwell in Burma" by Emma Larkin Offers insights into the political climate of Myanmar through a unique lens, connecting Orwell's work to the country's history. "Burmese Days: A Novel" by George Orwell A fictional account that, despite being a novel, provides context to British colonial rule in Burma and its impacts. "The River of Lost Footsteps: Histories of Burma" by Thant Myint-U A detailed history of Burma, including personal insights and historical context. Articles and Reports: "Myanmar’s 1988 Uprising: An Inside Account of the Democratic Movement That Came to be Known as the 8888 Uprising" by Bertil Lintner An inside account of the 8888 Uprising, providing firsthand insights. "The Role of Civil Society in Myanmar’s Democratic Transition" - International Crisis Group Report Analyzes the role of civil society in Myanmar's journey toward democracy. "Myanmar: A New Muslim Insurgency in Rakhine State" - International Crisis Group Report Discusses ethnic tensions and conflicts in Myanmar, crucial for understanding current dynamics. "The Saffron Revolution in Myanmar" - Asia Society Report Detailed analysis of the 2007 protests led by Buddhist monks.  United States Institute of Peace. (2024, August). Myanmar’s Junta Loses Control in the North, China’s Influence Grows.  Research Papers: "The Role of the Military in Myanmar Politics" by Andrew Selth A research paper exploring the historical and contemporary role of the military in Myanmar's politics. "Myanmar's Democratic Transition: Peril or Promise?" by Larry Jagan Analyzes the potential and challenges of Myanmar's democratic transition. "Civil Resistance in Burma: The 8888 Uprising and Beyond" by Stephen McCarthy A scholarly analysis of civil resistance movements in Myanmar, with a focus on the 8888 Uprising.