Coup in Myanmar; Aung San Suu Kyi and Several Other Government Officials Arrested

Myanmar’s military forces declared a state of emergency early Monday, February 1st, by detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and the country’s president. The White House, condemning the coup, announced it would take action against those responsible.

Myanmar’s military detained Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and several other high-ranking government officials in the early hours of Monday, February 1st (local time). A government spokesperson and member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party announced the news and urged Myanmar’s people to remain calm and not react “hastily.” Myo Nyunt, who is expected to be arrested soon himself, asked people to act in accordance with the law.

Several hours after these events, Myanmar’s military announced a state of emergency. The military television announced that power had been seized from the civilian government. Eyewitnesses said military vehicles have been deployed in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon. Internet, telephone networks, and mobile services have also been cut off.

According to the latest reports, leaders of several smaller parties are also among those arrested.

The state television network MRTV posted on Facebook that it is unable to broadcast due to technical difficulties. The Myanmar Banks Association also announced that all banks in the country have closed due to reduced internet capacity.

Sweeping Victory in Elections

The National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the November elections. However, Myanmar’s military claims the elections were rigged. The military’s top commander had also threatened to annul the constitution if the law was not upheld.

After UN Secretary-General António Guterres and most Western countries warned about political tensions in Myanmar, the country’s military commanders attempted to dismiss all rumors regarding a coup.

Noble Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy won the elections with 83 percent of the vote according to official results. Voter turnout was above 70 percent. Nevertheless, Suu Kyi remained dependent on the military. Under the 2008 constitution, one-quarter of parliamentary seats are held by the military.

Also, under an additional clause in the constitution, Suu Kyi cannot be president but serves as a de facto state counselor or de facto prime minister. Without military consent, constitutional amendments are not possible. Furthermore, the most important ministries are also under military control.

The 75-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi was under house arrest for 15 years during Myanmar’s military dictatorship. After coming to power, she faced severe international criticism for the suppression of the Rohingya minority and for failing to deliver on promises of democratic reforms.

Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia and has a population of 50 million.

Strong Criticism from Washington

The White House immediately issued a statement upon learning of Suu Kyi’s and government officials’ detention: “The United States rejects any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections and to prevent Myanmar’s democratic transition. If the situation is not restored to its previous state, we will take action against those responsible.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also called for the immediate release of Myanmar government officials.

The Australian government has condemned the coup in Myanmar and called for the immediate release of those detained.

The Japanese government also stated it is monitoring the situation and currently has no plans to repatriate its nationals from Myanmar.

Source: DW