Myanmar Spring Chronicle – December 18 Viewpoint
MoeMaKa, December 19, 2024
To Ease the Suffering of Those Affected by War and Conflict
Most of the daily news we read, see, or hear revolves around the consequences of battles, offensives, and territorial control. Stories of people fleeing their homes, displacement camps, burnt-down houses, lost lives, and difficulties in accessing food highlight the immense struggles faced by many.
While those living abroad may sympathize, it is the people inside the country, directly experiencing these tragedies, who truly grasp the pain, cruelty, and hardships. Even for those outside, no matter how much news they read, it’s impossible to fully understand the suffering of those confronting these realities every day.
For villagers in conflict zones, survival is their top priority. Leaving behind homes, belongings, and livelihoods, they flee to forests, mountains, or safer towns. Sustaining themselves for months or years under such conditions is no easy task. Similarly, city dwellers in conflict zones face destruction of homes, businesses, and livelihoods, albeit in different but no less severe forms.
As the mechanisms for supporting displaced people and refugee camps break down, and food and fuel supply routes are disrupted, those fleeing the war must navigate their struggles alone. Despite calls for humanitarian assistance, political leaders and armed group commanders seem to deprioritize the suffering of the people, while international organizations also appear unable to fully address Myanmar’s crises. In the global arena, Myanmar’s civil war is overshadowed by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Western countries largely rely on ASEAN’s leadership to find a solution, offering limited intervention.
Given these circumstances, Myanmar’s people must rely on each other to overcome their challenges. When battles intensify in towns and villages, they face difficulties such as finding transportation to escape, securing shelter in safer areas, accessing clean water, healthcare, and food. Unlike in the past, when other regions could rally support during natural disasters or conflict, such solidarity is no longer as feasible today.
For example, during the floods last September in Mandalay, Eastern, and Southern Shan States, people provided some mutual assistance. However, the response paled in comparison to the past due to dwindling resources and circumstances.
For the people of Myanmar—whether in villages or cities—the current hardships are something they never want to experience again. Losing homes, families, and belongings while enduring psychological trauma has taken a toll far beyond repair. The prevailing sentiment is clear: they don’t want this cycle to repeat after the armed resistance succeeds in overthrowing the dictatorship.
Leaders of armed groups and political organizations must lead the revolution with a clear vision and responsibility for the people’s lives. Beyond armed struggle, they must aim to establish stable communities with security, rule of law, and livelihoods for the people. Clinging solely to the belief that their armed groups are defending people from other forces is no longer sufficient.
While the word “peace” may sound untimely and unwelcome in the current climate, it remains critical to prevent decades-long conflicts and armed struggles from becoming a trap for future generations. Armed groups and political organizations share the responsibility of ensuring this does not happen.