Myanmar Spring Chronicle – February 22 Perspective
MoeMaKa, February 23, 2025
Revolution and Corruption: The Breakdown of Chain of Command
Recent news reports and articles have brought to light instances of corruption and lack of adherence to the chain of command within revolutionary armed groups during the ongoing resistance.
An article published by The Irrawaddy titled “Behind Anyar Dubai” sheds light on acts of corruption among some armed groups operating in Myingyan and Pakokku townships in Magway Region during the revolutionary period. The report provides firsthand accounts of these incidents.
In Myingyan and Pakokku townships, resistance forces have taken control of oil fields, including those previously managed by the military-controlled Ministry of Energy (MOGE). However, concerns have emerged regarding financial mismanagement, abuse of power by regional commanders, and the lack of transparency in handling tax revenues collected from these oil operations. The article highlights how local resistance forces manage these resources in a manner that appears more self-serving than structured governance, raising concerns about corruption and ethical violations among armed groups.
These oil fields, known for their ease of generating revenue, have long been linked to illicit activities such as smuggling and gambling, even before the military coup. While the emergence of People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) initially helped curb crimes like drug trafficking, gambling, and smuggling, the vacuum left by these illicit activities has reportedly been filled by the rise of brothels, karaoke bars, massage parlors, and KTV establishments.
The report also describes how, following the military’s loss of control in the region, those previously involved in managing these oil wells—including suspected military informants and supporters—fled. The PDFs subsequently took over these oil fields, using the revenue generated to finance their operations. However, this shift has also led to allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and abuse of power among resistance forces.
As a result, local trust in these revolutionary groups has diminished due to arbitrary taxation, inconsistent tax collection policies, and the presence of multiple factions imposing different financial demands on the population.
This issue is not limited to a single region. Similar cases of financial exploitation have been reported in resource-rich areas like upper Sagaing and parts of Kachin State, where gold mining operations flourish along riverbanks. The pattern suggests that many armed groups controlling natural resource areas—including jade and opium-producing regions—are prone to financial misconduct and abuse of power.
The Killing of Father Martin in Shwebo
Another recent incident involved the brutal execution of Catholic priest Father Martin in a village in Shwebo Township by members of a local defense force. Without any formal interrogation, the priest was publicly executed in what has been described as a reckless and unlawful act.
This incident has drawn international attention, as Father Martin was a religious leader affiliated with the Vatican, one of the world’s largest religious institutions. His execution raises serious concerns about the accountability of resistance groups, particularly the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).
A Revolution’s Purpose and Its Accountability Crisis
The core mission of Myanmar’s revolution is to dismantle the corruption and abuses of the military dictatorship and to establish responsible and ethical governance. The resistance movement opposes the junta’s human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings of civilians, religious figures, and activists.
However, if armed resistance groups themselves engage in lawless executions and acts of brutality, they must be held accountable. Preventative measures, clear guidelines, and enforcement of discipline within the resistance are crucial to ensuring such incidents do not continue.
Since mid-2021, multiple cases of unlawful killings have been reported in Myanmar’s central and upper regions. While the military junta is responsible for the vast majority of these crimes, there have also been instances where PDF groups—whether under the National Unity Government (NUG) or operating independently—have committed acts of violence against civilians.
Despite the exposure of such incidents in the media, the response from leadership structures has been weak, with a lack of accountability and insufficient enforcement of discipline. The failure to maintain a Chain of Command (CoC) within revolutionary forces is a key factor in this issue.
In summary, the recurring themes in these cases are lack of accountability, breakdown of chain of command, and insufficient political will to address these problems. If the revolution is to succeed, these issues must be confronted and resolved.