In a move that has drawn international criticism, Myanmar's military regime extended its state of emergency for another six months on Friday. This decision comes as the country continues to grapple with the fallout of a coup that took place on February 1, 2021, when the military ousted the democratically elected government. The ongoing conflict has displaced more than 3.5 million people and claimed the lives of at least 6,000 civilians. Despite losing control over significant portions of the country, including two regional military commands, the military persists in conducting airstrikes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's former leader, remains in detention along with other senior figures since the coup. Her son, Kim Aris, has not seen her in four years and relies on unverified sources for updates. In a letter to him, Suu Kyi expressed limited information due to censorship.
“She couldn't say a great deal in that letter, since we know that our letters will be read and censored.” – Kim Aris
Aris shared concerns about his mother's health and the harsh conditions she endures.
“But I know that the conditions that she was being held in, she was feeling the cold and feeling the heat, and she was having ongoing health concerns.” – Kim Aris
Despite his efforts to communicate with her, including sending letters and care packages, Aris has received no response from authorities.
“I've sent letters and care packages. I've asked to be allowed to see her in person, as is her human rights. And after all of these attempts, I haven't received any response.” – Kim Aris
Suu Kyi's prison sentence was reduced by six years in a partial pardon last November, yet she remains isolated from other prisoners.
“As far as I'm aware, she's definitely in prison rather than house arrest. Many people think she's still under house arrest or that she was moved to house arrest, but that isn't the case as far as I know,” – Kim Aris
“She's been held apart from the other prisoners. So essentially, she's in solitary confinement.” – Kim Aris
The international community has been urged to reject the military's plans to hold elections this year, which opposition groups have dismissed as a sham. ASEAN has faced criticism for its handling of the Myanmar crisis, mainly due to internal divisions. The organization has called on Myanmar's rulers to prioritize peace over elections.
“It's important that members of the international community, including Myanmar’s neighbours, send a consistent message of concern related to the safety of the people and the will of the people in Myanmar, in relation to any projected elections organised by a military regime that has experienced pushback against it since the coup in 2021,” – Kyaw Moe Tun
Myanmar's military, once controlling vast areas of the country, now finds itself struggling to maintain authority. According to Jason Tower from the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the military is on a losing trajectory.
“The Myanmar military is on a clear losing trajectory at this point,” – Jason Tower
The junta's loss of territory has prompted resistance actors to condemn military actions and resist their presence.
“That's really why I think one of the reasons why you've seen a lot of the resistance actors condemn them. They don't want the Myanmar military coming into their areas,” – Jason Tower
Kim Aris continues to raise awareness about his mother's plight and the broader suffering endured by the people of Myanmar.
“My mother's going to be 80 this year, and I want to continue to draw more attention to what her plight is and what the plight of the people of Burma is,” – Kim Aris
Despite her dire circumstances, Aris admires his mother's resilience.
“I can only imagine that my mother's going through much worse than I'm going through. And yet she's managing to stay strong.” – Kim Aris
“People in Burma are going through so much worse than what I'm going through,” – Kim Aris
The international community remains crucial in finding a sustainable solution to the crisis, as emphasized by Kyaw Moe Tun.
“We need the UN and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to play a helpful role to find a sustainable solution to the crisis in Myanmar, in line with the will and interest of the people of Myanmar,” – Kyaw Moe Tun
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