Myanmar Spring Chronicle – December 29 Overview
Moemaka, December 30, 2024
Events of 2024 (Part 3)
Even in regions not designated as ethnic states, such as Ayeyarwady, Tanintharyi, and Bago, extensive armed conflicts have occurred. Significant clashes were recorded in areas including Tanintharyi Region, Bago Region, Sagaing Region, Magway Region, and Mandalay Region throughout 2024. In regions like Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing, battles were fought in areas such as Pakokku, Yesagyo, Gangaw, Yaw, Saw, Myingyan, Chaung-U, Yinmarbin, Kani, and Myaing. These areas, while not ethnic states, witnessed resistance efforts involving local PDFs (People’s Defense Forces) under the NUG (National Unity Government) and village- or town-based local defense groups.
Sagaing Region, a hotbed of armed resistance since the early stages of the revolution, has faced severe destruction, including mass killings, arson of homes, and aerial bombings. Hundreds of civilians and young resistance fighters have lost their lives. However, the lack of centralized coordination in Sagaing remains a critical weakness, preventing unified military and political strategies and limiting territorial control compared to other regions.
In Bago Region, clashes occurred in territories bordering Karen State, such as Moehn, Kyaukkyi, Shwekyin, and Nyaunglebin. These areas, close to the eastern flank of Naypyidaw, hold strategic importance due to their proximity to the military regime’s administrative hub. The junta, under Than Shwe’s leadership, had established Naypyidaw as a central stronghold, leveraging its geographic advantage. However, with increasing encirclement by hostile forces, this central positioning has become more of a vulnerability than an advantage.
Regions like Magway, parts of Bago, Mandalay, Sagaing, Ayeyarwady, and Yangon, which are not primarily ethnic territories, face challenges in forming cohesive national alliances, impacting the success of resistance efforts. Most territorial gains in 2024 occurred in ethnic states, with limited gains in majority-Bamar areas.
Economic Impact
2024 witnessed severe economic consequences, including the significant devaluation of the kyat, disruptions in trade routes, border closures, and instability in regions due to ongoing conflicts. The destruction of infrastructure and the dominance of various armed groups along trade routes have severely hindered commerce. As a result, the population has struggled with unprecedented price hikes and economic hardships. For instance, petrol prices in regions like Putao, Kachin State, soared to 100,000 kyats per liter, while prices in areas like Rakhine State and Hpakant also reached exorbitant levels.
The economic warfare extended beyond the battlefield, with targeted blockades on essential goods like fuel, rice, and other commodities, impacting both armed groups and local civilians. This strategy has exacerbated living conditions for those in conflict zones.
Mandatory Military Conscription
One of the most significant events of 2024 was the enforcement of mandatory military conscription. On February 10, 2024, the military council implemented a law requiring men aged 18 to 35—and in skilled professions, up to 45—to serve. This law drove many young people to flee the country, either legally or illegally, causing a demographic shift and further economic strain.
The conscription law has also fueled corruption, allowing local administrators, police, and military personnel to exploit the process for personal gain. Bribes have become commonplace, with individuals either being forced into service or paying for exemption.
Conclusion
In 2024, Myanmar’s challenges included intensifying armed conflict, economic collapse, and the imposition of conscription laws. These factors have compounded hardships for civilians, forcing many to migrate internally and externally, and creating one of the most challenging years in the country’s history.