Myanmar Spring Chronicle – January 17 Overview
MoeMaKa, January 18, 2025
A World Losing Integrity and the Suffering of the People of Myanmar
While the villages, towns, and regions of Myanmar remain under the constant threat of armed conflict, airstrikes, and artillery shelling, residents live in a perpetual state of vigilance to survive. In conflict-affected areas, casualties, injuries, loss of limbs, and the relentless struggle for survival define daily life. Even in major cities yet untouched by war, youth face the looming danger of forced recruitment into the military. Meanwhile, the global stage continues to be embroiled in chaos, with Myanmar’s crisis receiving only intermittent attention—perhaps once or twice a year.
The world has witnessed even more brutal wars, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which has claimed over a hundred thousand lives on both sides within two years. Similarly, the Gaza Strip in the Middle East has suffered over 45,000 casualties due to Israeli air and ground strikes over the past year and a half. These conflicts, alongside others, highlight the growing complexity of international relations.
Recently, Israel’s Prime Minister declared an unwavering commitment to destroy Hamas and Hezbollah, regardless of opposition, leading to a ceasefire agreement at the tail end of U.S. President Biden’s term. Speculation abounds as to whether this was motivated by the need to secure Biden’s legacy or anticipation of Trump’s potential cessation of arms and financial aid to Israel should he return to power.
What is certain is that the geopolitical landscape ahead will not mirror the past 15 months. Former U.S. President Trump’s controversial statements regarding national sovereignty, territorial disputes, and even the possible sale of Greenland have raised doubts about America’s stance on liberal democratic values. This has created mistrust among allies and exposed the self-interest and imperialistic tendencies behind political rhetoric.
This global reliance on military and financial might, rather than mutual respect and principled policies, signals the erosion of integrity in international relations. Over the past few years, these dynamics have left ordinary citizens worldwide—including Myanmar’s population—to grapple with their own hardships, including war, economic collapse, and rampant crime.
For the people of Myanmar, the greatest tragedy is the war encroaching on their villages and towns, forcing them to flee. Forced recruitment, especially targeting youth, has become a second grave ordeal. Various armed groups forcibly conscript young people across urban and rural areas. Over the past year, the military junta has intensified its forced recruitment efforts, targeting cities, villages, and territories under its control. Reports of extortion and exploitation at the community level have also become widespread.
In some cases, individuals deported from Thailand for illegal entry or overstaying visas have been used as opportunities for forced recruitment or extortion by the junta. Those unable to pay bribes often end up conscripted into military service. Even in major cities like Yangon, reports of young people being detained during early evening hours for forced conscription have surfaced.
This precarious situation places Myanmar’s youth in a desperate position. On one side, they face skyrocketing living costs, compelling them to work relentlessly to survive. On the other, they live under constant threat of forced recruitment. For the junta, the urgent need to replenish its ranks for military campaigns has led to increasingly coercive measures, coupled with corruption and exploitation by its administrative and armed branches.
As the world grapples with wars, refugee crises, and an arms race, Myanmar’s ongoing struggles have attracted little international attention. For its people, this lack of focus means that their plight remains largely overlooked.