Bangkok, Feb 1 (EFE).- Myanmar held a nationwide silent strike on Thursday to protest against the military junta on the third anniversary of its coup, as the army faces losses against pro-democratic and ethnic minority guerrilla offensives.
Human rights advocates express solidarity with pro-democracy activists in Myanmar as they display an image of General Min Aung Hlaing and a mock prison cell to symbolize persecution during a rally in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 01 February 2024. EFE/EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA
«Today marks 3rd year of coup by the military. We are organizing nationwide #SilentStrike today to show the unyielding spirit of our ppl. We have just 1 message to intl community: support our civilian activists,» the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) posted on X.
Organizers encouraged people to stay inside their homes or businesses during 10 am-4 pm to show opposition to military rule.
Photos posted to social media showed cities and towns around the country devoid of people and vehicles. Citizens were also encouraged to wear white to call for jet fuel sanctions.
The past two anniversaries of the coup were also marked by similar strikes that paralyzed much of the country.
“This year, 2024, is a very crucial year for the Spring Revolution. We need to fight the dictatorship with two fists, armed resistance and non-violence. We need to knock down the military junta in these two ways simultaneously,» said strike organizer Ko Nan Lin, according to the Irrawaddy news site.
An activist looks at the pictures of Myanmar military coup victims in Seoul, South Korea, 01 February 2024. EFE/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
The strike took place just 24 hours after the junta announced the fifth extension of the state of emergency it began following the coup, which guarantees the armed forces full executive and legislative powers for six more months and eliminates the possibility of elections, which cannot be held in that period by constitutional mandate.
The extension comes as the military faces significant challenges from a rebel alliance offensive that began at the end of October under the name of Operation 1027 (due to its start date), in northern Shan state, bordering China, and quickly spread throughout most of the country.
The army’s recent defeats have given optimism to the pro-democracy movement, represented by the National Unity Government, formed in part by former deputies of the legislature overthrown by the military and which has an armed wing, the civilian People’s Defense Force (PDF), which supports Operation 1027.
To mark the coup anniversary, countries including the United States and Australia announced new sanctions against Myanmar’s military, this time directed against companies and individuals that facilitate the supply of fuel to the junta, with the aim of stopping the army’s bombing campaigns against civilians.
The US targeted two entities – Byain Phyu Group of Companies (SBPG) and Myanma Five Star Line Company –which it said maintain a relationship with Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Limited (MEHL).
The US said that through their ties to MEHL, already under US sanctions since March 2021, the two entities had enabled the purchase of foreign currency and the importation of petroleum and other materials for the military regime.
It also targeted four Myanmar nationals – Thein Win Zaw and Tin Latt Min, and their children Theint Win Htet and Win Paing Kyaw, who it said are linked to the companies.
“Today’s action emphasizes our commitment to deprive Burma’s military regime of the resources it needs to conduct its attacks against its own people,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson in a statement, using the country’s former name.
The Australian government imposed additional sanctions on five entities it said «enable the regime’s activities” – Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank – and three that “supply jet fuel to the Myanmar military” – Asia Sun Group, Asia Sun Trading and Cargo Link Petroleum Logistics.
“These sanctions are a response to the regime’s ongoing repression of the people of Myanmar, escalating violence, and the continuing deterioration of the political, humanitarian and security situation,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, protests against the junta have been organized in several cities around the world to call for greater involvement from the international community.
The military coup of Feb. 1, 2021 plunged Myanmar into deep political, social and economic crises and exacerbated decades of armed conflict. EFE
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