Myanmar’s Struggle: Four Years of Resistance Against Military Rule

As Myanmar marks four years since the military coup on 1 February 2021, the nation remains trapped in a brutal cycle of violence, displacement, and economic collapse. The Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s armed forces, seized power on that fateful day, shattering the country’s fragile democratic progress and plunging its people into a nightmare of airstrikes, arbitrary detentions, and mass displacement. Yet, amidst this darkness, the resilience of Myanmar’s citizens—particularly its ethnic minorities, women, and youth—shines as a beacon of hope for a future free from military oppression.

The scale of suffering in Myanmar is staggering. Since the coup, millions have been pushed into poverty, with entire communities uprooted by conflict. A poignant image from Pekon township in Shan State, captured on 9 December 2024, shows displaced families hauling their belongings to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp—a stark reminder of the human toll of this crisis. The military’s relentless campaigns, targeting both civilian populations and ethnic armed organisations, have forced countless individuals to flee their homes, particularly in regions like Shan, Kachin, and Rakhine.

Beyond displacement, the junta’s rule has been marked by atrocities that echo its long history of human rights abuses, including the genocide of the Rohingya in 2017. Reports of massacres, arbitrary arrests, and airstrikes on civilian areas continue to surface, with ethnic communities bearing the brunt of the violence. The economy, meanwhile, lies in ruins, with the military exploiting natural resources in ethnic regions for personal gain while locals languish in poverty. For many, the choice is stark: endure oppression at home or flee as refugees.

At the heart of Myanmar’s resistance lies a vision for a federal democratic union—a system that decentralises power, respects ethnic diversity, and ensures equitable representation. Decades of centralised military rule have marginalised ethnic minorities, fuelling grievances and perpetuating cycles of conflict. Groups like the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) have long advocated for autonomy and equality, demands that resonate with the broader aspirations of Myanmar’s people.

This vision is not merely a dream but a prerequisite for lasting peace. A federal structure, activists argue, would dismantle the systemic discrimination embedded in the current system, allowing ethnic communities to have a genuine stake in the nation’s future. It would also address historical injustices, from land dispossession to cultural suppression, that have driven unrest for generations. If implemented, such a system could pave the way for reconciliation, though experts caution that the military’s entrenched interests pose a formidable barrier.

The Role of ASEAN and the International Community

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has repeatedly pledged support for a “Myanmar-owned and -led peace process,” yet its actions have fallen short of meaningful impact. The Five-Point Consensus, adopted in 2021 to address the crisis, has been widely criticised as ineffective, with the junta showing little regard for its commitments. Critics argue that ASEAN’s reluctance to challenge the military’s legitimacy—by engaging solely with the junta while sidelining other stakeholders—undermines any hope for genuine dialogue.

A more inclusive approach is urgently needed. This means direct engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG), ethnic armed organisations, and civil society groups, all of whom represent the diverse voices of Myanmar’s people. ASEAN must also take bolder steps, such as refusing to recognise the junta’s planned sham elections, limiting its role in strategic decision-making within the bloc, and considering a suspension of Myanmar’s membership until democratic reforms are initiated.

Beyond ASEAN, the broader international community has a moral imperative to act. A global arms embargo, increased humanitarian aid, and pressure for the release of political prisoners are critical priorities. The United Nations, alongside democratic nations, must amplify the voices of Myanmar’s citizens rather than allowing the junta to entrench its power. Without such support, the people’s fight for dignity and self-determination risks being stifled by isolation.

Justice as a Cornerstone of Peace

Accountability remains a non-negotiable demand for Myanmar’s people. The military’s track record of atrocities—from the Rohingya genocide to ongoing violence in ethnic regions—cannot be swept under the rug. Survivors and victims’ families call for justice, not just as retribution but as a foundation for healing and reconciliation. An independent mechanism, supported by ASEAN and the UN, to investigate and prosecute the junta’s crimes is essential. Without addressing these historical and ongoing wrongs, any peace agreement will remain hollow.

The international community’s response to this demand has been uneven. While some nations have imposed sanctions and condemned the junta, others continue to supply arms or engage in trade, indirectly bolstering the military’s grip on power. If justice is to be served, a unified stance—free from geopolitical self-interest—must emerge. Only then can Myanmar begin to rebuild trust between its fractured communities.

Central to the resistance is a resounding rejection of the Tatmadaw’s self-proclaimed role as the “guardian of national unity.” Decades of abuses, economic mismanagement, and political repression have thoroughly discredited this narrative. The people of Myanmar demand a military that serves rather than subjugates—a professional institution stripped of its political influence. This transformation is seen as a critical step toward a democratic future, though the junta’s resistance to reform suggests a long and arduous struggle ahead.

Economic equity is another pillar of this vision. Under military rule, corruption and exploitation have deepened inequality, with ethnic regions suffering the most as their resources are plundered. Activists envision an economy rooted in transparency and sustainability, one that prioritises education, healthcare, and opportunities for all. Achieving this will require not only dismantling the junta’s economic stranglehold but also international support to rebuild infrastructure and empower local communities.

Myanmar’s revolution is being driven by those historically excluded from power: women and youth. Women have emerged as leaders in resistance movements, organising protests, providing humanitarian aid, and advocating for change despite immense personal risk. Young people, meanwhile, have shown unparalleled bravery and creativity, using social media and grassroots campaigns to challenge the junta. Their contributions are not just symbolic but indispensable to Myanmar’s future.

A truly democratic Myanmar must prioritise gender equality and youth empowerment. This means ensuring that women and young people have a seat at the table in any peace process or governance structure. Their exclusion would not only undermine the legitimacy of such efforts but also risk perpetuating the inequalities that have long plagued the nation. If their voices are amplified, however, they could shape a more inclusive and progressive society.

Four years after the coup, Myanmar stands at a crossroads. The international community faces a clear choice: stand idly by as the junta drives the country deeper into chaos or take decisive action to support the people’s aspirations for freedom and justice. The path forward will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, from entrenched military power to regional political complexities. Yet, the determination of Myanmar’s citizens—evident in their protests, their sacrifices, and their unyielding hope—offers a powerful reminder of what is at stake.

The vision of a federal democratic union, built on justice, equality, and inclusion, remains unwavering. ASEAN, the UN, and democratic allies must rally behind this vision with bold, principled action. The people of Myanmar have not given up hope, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. Neither should the world. As one young activist in Yangon recently declared, “We are fighting not just for ourselves, but for a future where no one is left behind.” It is a call that demands to be heard.