Myanmar Spring Chronicle – April 11 Update
MoeMaKa, April 12, 2025
Relief, Aid, and a Crisis of Trust
In Myanmar, decades of politicized disaster response have made it unsurprising that many people now distrust government-led relief efforts. Whether facing floods, fires, cyclones, or earthquakes, past experiences have taught citizens to be wary of how both domestic and international aid is managed, often citing misappropriation and the diversion of resources for military use.
A major example was Cyclone Nargis in 2008, when the Than Shwe-led military regime restricted foreign aid distribution to channels under its control. Much of the aid was either mishandled or outright exploited. Relief supplies such as tents and cooking stoves sent by international donors were seized by military commanders and local authorities, sometimes resold rather than delivered to cyclone survivors. These experiences linger in collective memory and shape the current public skepticism toward the junta’s handling of earthquake relief in 2025.
Today, as aid from foreign governments and international organizations flows into Myanmar following the earthquake in Mandalay and Sagaing Regions, many people are questioning how the military council will manage the resources. There is concern that aid money, supplies, and essentials could once again be absorbed into the junta’s own military operations rather than reaching those in need.
Furthermore, ordinary citizens have little access to detailed information about how foreign aid is being distributed. While countries like China and India are sending aid directly to the junta, many Western nations are channeling their support through UN agencies and international humanitarian NGOs. The U.S. Embassy and the European Union have both publicly stated that their assistance will be routed through non-governmental channels, not through the regime.
Compared to 2008, there is hope that misuse of aid can be somewhat curbed in 2025 due to the greater presence of international NGOs in the country. Additionally, widespread use of social media and mobile internet allows citizens to document and report misuse, improving transparency and accountability in ways that were not possible in 2008.
When it comes to domestic relief efforts, things are more complicated. The military council often invites prominent local business figures — frequently referred to as “cronies” — to make large donations during times of disaster. These include bank owners and major import-export traders, who often contribute in the range of billions of kyats. However, there’s no public accounting of how this money is used.
Some donations go through junta-influenced organizations like the Myanmar Red Cross, or high-profile charity groups founded by celebrities and religious figures. Notable examples include individual philanthropists like Khaing Hnin Wai and well-known funeral aid societies. These groups are actively involved in delivering direct assistance, though their work is not always free from criticism.
Khaing Hnin Wai’s group, for instance, has recently faced backlash on social media over how earthquake donations were managed, with some accusing her of using funds without clear consultation or oversight.
Another form of aid comes from grassroots, self-organized citizen groups who pool resources to buy supplies and distribute them directly to affected areas. This method allows donors to connect directly with recipients — but it’s not without challenges. These include a lack of coordination, duplication of aid in some places, and shortages in others. There’s also the issue of not knowing in real time which communities still lack support.
In recent days, the junta has begun requiring local relief groups to register with neighborhood and township administrative offices in order to operate — a move that has further deepened public distrust. Many see this as a way to control independent aid efforts rather than support them.
For aid to be effective, coordination among groups and real-time information sharing about evolving needs is essential. This helps ensure supplies reach the most urgent cases and prevents waste or duplication. It also maximizes the impact for both those giving and those receiving aid.
Unfortunately, the junta has not clearly communicated the purpose or procedures behind its restrictions, further undermining public confidence. As a result, some aid efforts are stalling or slowing down due to bureaucratic red tape and suspicion.
In a politically fractured country like Myanmar, even humanitarian relief is not immune to division. The deep mistrust between the people and the military council now extends beyond politics into the very heart of life-saving aid efforts.