Myanmar Update 2: EAOs against the Junta

As of October of 2023, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which is a collection of ethnic armed groups based in the region of Kokang on the border with China, has launched a powerful offensive against the Junta. They, alongside the ethnic Karen, one of the largest minorities in Myanmar, have united and worked together to oppose the military regime. The so-called "Three Brotherhood Alliance" has been incredibly successful in its attacks against the Junta, and together they show the determination of the ethnic groups in their struggle for democracy. These victories have helped them gain momentum, increase public support, and broaden participation from volunteers and recruits. However, ethnic diversity within the rebel forces continues to be a point of concern. 

Despite constant Junta airstrikes, the Karen have successfully constructed a church in southeast Myanmar, which shows not only community growth and establishes religious unity, but also challenges the stereotypes that are perpetuated and spread by the Bamar-majority military. The Junta has historically exploited ethnic rivalries and hopes to further divide ethnic groups with propaganda. As the rebel offensive transitions from rural to urban areas, the military continues to bombard villages with air attacks and bombs in civilian centers. 

Amnesty International has called for the Myanmar military to be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes as recent attacks such as the bombing of a Sunday service in January that killed 17 villagers, including nine children, show that the Junta indiscriminately targets civilians. Using evidence drawn from photographs, interviews with civilians, video materials, and satellite imagery, Amnesty has accused the Junta of using banned cluster munitions in the northern Shan State, which is incredibly unethical due to the inaccuracy of the weapons being used in populated areas with both military targets and innocent civilians. 

Ordnance scrap recovered in northern Shan State, which Amnesty International has identified as a cluster munitions dispenser, consistent with remnants of previous cluster munitions used in attacks by the Myanmar military, December 2023. @Private [Amnesty International]

In the conference, a huge aspect of the resolution to the conflict will include negotiations and consideration of the various ethnic groups at play. Each minority group has its own motivations and needs to be considered equally to establish a unified force against the military. It could also be beneficial to consider the persecution of the Junta through international bodies like the ICC considering the UN continues to be unsuccessful in creating an actionable solution. 

Works Cited:

“Myanmar: Military Should Be Investigated for War Crimes in Response to ‘Operation 1027.’” Amnesty International, 22 Dec. 2023, www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/12/myanmar-military-should-be-investigated-for-war-crimes-in-response-to-operation-1027/#:~:text=December%2021%2C%202023-,Myanmar%3A%20Military%20should%20be%20investigated%20for%20war,in%20response%20to%20’Operation%201027’&text=Myanmar’s%20military%20has%20unlawfully%20killed,coup%2C%20Amnesty%20International%20said%20today.

“Myanmar’s Rebels See Unity as Key to Victory over Weakened Military Rulers.” Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 3 Feb. 2024, www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/2/3/myanmars-rebels-see-unity-as-key-to-victory-over-weakened-military-rulers.

Staff, Al Jazeera. “Amnesty Calls for War Crimes Probe over Myanmar Military Bombing of Church.” Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 12 Feb. 2024, www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/8/amnesty-calls-for-war-crimes-probe-over-myanmar-military-bombing-of-church.