Earthquake in Myanmar: Opportunity for hated military leaders in the crisis country

Earthquake in Myanmar: Opportunity for hated military leaders in the crisis country

earthquakes are devastating for the people who have lost their beloved relatives, their home and their livelihood. For military dictators who hold onto power, however, such disasters can also bring opportunities.

Myanmar: A country in the conflict

The military rulers Myanmar have been running a brutal civil war in Southeast Asia for four years. Devastating attacks on civilians, destroying and bombing villages as well as the violent convening of young men and women to the army determine the tragic location in the country. General Min aung Hlaing, who overthrown the democratically elected regime of Aung San Suu Kyi, is at the top of the Junta.

The precarious rule of Junta

min aung hlaing's rule is precarious in the face of international sanctions and a desolate economy. His military loses significant territories in the fight against a determined resistance movement. According to reports, he does not even control 30 % of the country.

The effects of the earthquake

as on March 28th a strong 7.7-Magnitude-erdbieben Myanmar shallow 3,700 people died, the general saw an opportunity to consolidate his position. He put a rare Please for international help in the foreground.

political opportunism or legitimate help?

"Min aung hlaing uses the earthquake for regional recognition and political legitimacy," said Kyaw Hsan Hlaing, doctoral student of political science at Cornell University. The humanitarian crisis offers him an excuse to open channels that he had previously closed.

The geopolitical implications

A meeting between General Min Aung Hlaing and the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar ibrahim recently took place in Bangkok. This meeting marked a turning point after the Asean had avoided the high -ranking conversations with Myanmar so as not to legitimize the Junta. Anwar spoke of an "open and constructive discussion" to humanitarian aid for the earthquake victims.

the need for a dialogue

After four years of war and a displacement of 3 million people, the earthquake tightens an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in which at least 20 million people need help. "We should see the situation as a way to initiate a dialogue," Sihasak PHUANGKETKEOW, a former deputy foreign minister of Thailand.

The shadows of the elections

min aung hlaing has repeatedly promised elections. In view of the repression against the democratic opposition and the dissolution of Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, however, no free and fair elections are expected. The invitation to vote from the Belarusian regime increases the skepticism of the credibility of such elections.

stop violence as the first priority

Some observers doubt that the Junta is able to make real concessions while continuing to react by force. Despite the announcements of a so -called ceasefire, humanitarian aid measures were disabled and aggressive attacks were made in opposition areas.

The future of Myanmar

Despite all the challenges, there are hopes for progress. Malaysia has led a virtual dialogue with the Prime Minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), which sees itself as a legitimate government of Myanmar. "The year 2025 could bring a turn," said Sihasak and called for a connection of dialogue offers to the Junta with concrete, verifiable steps to improve the humanitarian situation.

In order to give the Myanmern a feeling of hope and perspective, it is essential that the international community puts pressure on the Junta to provide humanitarian aid and end violence. This is the only way to enable an honest dialogue for a peaceful future in Myanmar.