Millions displaced by Myanmar’s civil war excluded from voting in military-run election

Key Concepts

• Internal Displacement: The forced movement of people within their own country due to conflict or persecution.
• Military Coup (Myanmar, 2021): The overthrow of the democratically elected government by the military.
• Humanitarian Crisis: A situation where a large number of people are in need of immediate assistance due to disaster or conflict.
• Self-Reliance: The ability of a community to meet its own needs without external assistance.
• Political Opposition: Resistance to the ruling power, in this case, the Myanmar military junta.

The Situation of Internally Displaced Persons in Central Myanmar

The report focuses on a community of approximately 150 internally displaced persons (IDPs) living on the bank of a river in central Myanmar, specifically near Bago. This community, like many others across the country, has been displaced due to ongoing conflict following the military coup in late last year. Atar, a recent arrival with her son Mo, exemplifies this situation, having fled her village due to “bombings and air strikes” and reports of people being “shot.” She states, “We were afraid to keep living in our former place… So, we were scared and fled.” This fear underscores the pervasive insecurity driving displacement.

The Impact of the Coup and Lack of Aid

The report highlights the widespread impact of the military coup on the civilian population. A staggering 3.5 million people across Myanmar have been displaced from their homes as a direct result of the conflict. Critically, these IDPs are receiving no international aid. The community profiled is entirely reliant on self-sufficiency, surviving through subsistence farming and fishing, supplemented by donations from within the displaced community itself. The arrival of a local celebrity, Ma, with a donation of chicken curry, is presented as a rare and significant event, demonstrating the lack of external support. The report emphasizes, “Nothing is getting in from the outside to these displaced people.”

Ma: A Celebrity in Opposition

Ma, a “famous movie star” from the pre-coup era, represents a different response to the political upheaval. Unlike many celebrities who have aligned themselves with the military junta and endorsed the recent election, Ma has chosen to join the displaced population and actively oppose the military regime. She operates “in secret, moving around the country,” providing support to those affected by the conflict. She articulates her motivation, stating, “Before the coup, our country was developing and everyone could see its potential. Now everything is upside down. That's why I've been doing what I can to oppose the military.”

Lost Hopes and the Desire for Peace

The report underscores the dashed hopes for Myanmar’s future. Ma expresses a desire for Myanmar to emulate the development of its neighbor, Thailand, stating, “As for our country's future, I wanted to be like our nearest neighbor, Thailand.” However, this aspiration is described as a “distant dream” given the current circumstances. The fundamental desire of the displaced farmers is simply to return to their land and live in peace, a possibility currently blocked by the ongoing conflict. As the report concludes, “The farmers here just want to work their fields and live in peace. Something that's not possible if they go home.”

Reporting Context

The report is filed by Tony Chang of Al Jazeera from Bago, Central Myanmar, emphasizing the network’s commitment to providing “reliable news and expert insights” regarding the situation in Myanmar. The concluding call to action – “Don't miss out and get the full picture. Subscribe to Al Jazeera… Like, share, stay ahead” – frames the report as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.