Beyond Fragmented Voices in Myanmar

Engaging Pro-democracy Actors in Addressing the Political Turmoil

by Nyo Oo | July 2023

Key Takeaways:

• A coherent local voice for positive transition in Myanmar remains a puzzle for the international actors. It is crucial to carefully examine each actor’s agendas and strategies and reckon on credible voices.

• Resolving Myanmar’s political crisis requires seriously considering the role of legitimate pro-democracy actors powerful enough to bring democratic change.

• The international community should foster meaningful participation; promote democratic norms; ensure accountability, and support local pro-democracy actors, incorporating the lessons learned during Myanmar’s democratisation and peace processes in the 2010s.

Myanmar’s full-fledged civil war and political crisis show no signs of stopping. The military coup on 1 February 2021 sparked a violent conflict worse than those with ethnic armed groups beforehand. The situation posed a serious challenge to the international community, especially to the neighbouring and regional countries. Although the international community has been concerned about human rights violations, violence and instability, it is still challenging to identify and involve the key stakeholders who can facilitate a positive transition in the country.

Many challenges and complexities include dealing with the military junta, the ethnic armed groups, and pro-democracy actors. The think piece will briefly explore the role of different actors and suggest possible approaches for the international community to bridge the gaps in engagement.

Since all those actors have different positions and aspirations for peace and democracy, it is crucial to carefully examine the actor’s diverse agendas and strategies and reckon on the credible voices. It demands more than a tick-box exercise of inclusiveness.

Outline:

1. Challenges

2. Understanding Actors

   1. The Pro-democracy Movement

   2. National League for Democracy and Aung San Suu Kyi

   3. Ethnic Armed Organisations

   4. The Junta (Officially Named State Administration Council)

3. Integrating Approaches to Reduce Engagement Gaps

   1. Nurturing Support to the NLD and Aung San Suu Kyi

   2. Strengthening NUG’s Institutional Accountability and Coordination

   3. Engaging Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs)

   4. Engaging the Junta

   5. Empowering Local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

Total: 9 Pages (2,446 words)

Note: The content withheld specific names or identifiable details by prioritising the safety and well-being of individuals and organisations involved. The content is thoroughly researched, sourced from credible outlets, and reviewed by experts.

Nyo Oo (pseudonym) is a Myanmar political analyst and pro-democracy activist imprisoned for political offences under previous military regimes in Myanmar. He intends to raise awareness and encourage informed discussions within the international community about the complexities of the Myanmar political crisis.

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