Myanmar Spring Chronicle – May 26 Scenes
MoeMaKa, May 27, 2024
The Religious Leader’s Comment that the Sufferings of Myanmar Will Never End
Recently, in an interview with CAN news agency, Cardinal Charles Bo, the Catholic religious leader of Myanmar, remarked that the problems of Myanmar seem endless. Cardinal Charles Bo stated that he could not predict when these issues might be resolved.
The Covid-19 epidemic, which began in early 2021, caused a significant decline in economic production and trade. Almost a year later, on February 1, 2021, a military coup took place, leading to the emergence of armed resistance forces across Myanmar and the resurgence of already existing ethnic armed groups.
During his discussion on Myanmar’s challenges, Cardinal Bo highlighted the severe crisis, noting that over 3 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. He pointed out that hundreds of religious structures have been damaged, particularly in the Sagaing Division and Kayah State. The Cardinal emphasized the dire need for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medicine for those displaced, who are now residing in towns, villages, forests, and refugee camps.
Considering Myanmar’s population, more than 5% are internally displaced persons (IDPs), meaning 5 to 6 people out of every hundred are fleeing the conflict.
Once displaced, people are unable to continue their livelihood activities, relying instead on their savings or external aid. Properties and homes left behind are often destroyed or looted during the conflict, and returning home means facing the loss of possessions.
Cardinal Bo’s remarks reflect the current situation, though he did not call for the concerned parties to meet and discuss a cessation of armed attacks and pursue peace talks.
Last year, some politicians and Ukrainian leaders criticized the Pope, the global Catholic leader, for suggesting the need to have the courage to raise a white flag and discuss peace regarding the war in Ukraine. Cardinal Bo did not make similar comments about Myanmar’s political and armed conflicts.
As with other international conflicts, addressing Myanmar’s political and military issues is a sensitive topic. Currently, the revolutionary forces aim to completely eliminate the military dictatorship, reject the existing military state, and form an ethnic Federal Army as a replacement. However, there has been no concrete discussion between the NUG government and ethnic armed groups about the future Federal Army.
At a time when the coup military is losing territory and cities, it is crucial for revolutionary forces to discuss the future.
It is unrealistic to expect the immediate defeat of the military council, but there is an urgent need for discussions and agreements for the future, given the gradual expansion of territorial control by revolutionary forces