News Details

Myanmar's coup leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, has been elected president four days ago. This follows a coup in February 2021, which sparked a brutal civil war. Despite his promise of elections and civilian rule within a year, Min Aung Hlaing has not fulfilled this promise in five years. The newly-elected parliament chose Min Aung Hlaing as president, though this is civilian rule in name only. The parliament is filled with loyalists, with the military controlling one quarter of the seats and the military party, USDP, winning nearly 80% of the remaining seats. This election was heavily favored for Min Aung Hlaing, making it more of a coronation than an election. General Ye Win Oo, a hardliner, replaces Min Aung Hlaing as head of the armed forces. For many in Myanmar, little will change. Young activists like Kyaw Win, who was arrested and tortured for protesting the coup, feel powerless. The civil war has displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and caused economic collapse. The UN estimates over 16 million people need life-saving assistance, and inflation has ruined living standards. Fuel shortages, exacerbated by the Middle East war, have worsened the crisis. The junta has used military tactics like 'the four cuts' to regain lost territory, leading to indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. The National Unity Government, representing the overthrown administration, rejects the new government and election as illegitimate, vowing to continue fighting for a new federal constitution. Economic struggles are severe, with businesses relying on generators due to unreliable electricity. Activist Mya Aye advocates for dialogue and compromise, suggesting Aung San Suu Kyi’s release could play a role in finding a path to peace. However, the military rulers show no inclination toward compromise, leaving Myanmar in a stalemate with no clear path forward.