| 2021 Myanmar protests | |
|---|---|
| Date | February 2, 2021 – ongoing |
| Location | |
| Caused by | |
| Goals |
|
| Methods | Demonstrations, Strikes, Civil disobedience |
| Resulted in |
|
The 2021 Myanmar demonstrations is a popular civil disobedience campaign in protest against the military rule and the detainment of Aung San Suu Kyi, who was overthrown by Min Aung Hlaing in the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état.[1]
Background
In 1974, a popular uprising rocked the nation, killing 100 during violent demonstrations in the country. In 1962-63, the 1962 Rangoon University protests occurred against the military rule, led by General Ne Win. In 1988, nationwide protests broke out in the country. Dubbed the 8888 Uprising, the civil unrest was sparked by economic mismanagement, leading Ne Win to step down. In September 1988, the military's top leaders formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), which then seized power. Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of the country's modern founder Aung San, became a notable pro-democracy activist during this period. In 1990, free elections were allowed by the military, under the assumption the military enjoyed popular support. Ultimately, the elections resulted in a landslide victory for Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy. However, the military refused to cede power and placed her under house arrest. In 2021, after military rule was restored due to the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état and sparked a campaign of demonstrations in Yangon and Naypyidaw.[2]
Protests
2-3 February: On 2 February 2021, healthcare workers and civil servants across the country, including in the national capital, Naypyidaw, launched a national civil disobedience campaign, in opposition to the coup. A Facebook campaign called for strikes to be held amid healthcare crisis and growing pressure. On 3 February, healthcare strikers continued their movement against the coup. 71 engineer shops closed in protest at the take over and went on strike due to the coup. Thousands of shops reopened the next day. 110 hospital workers were still on strike as the campaign of demonstrations continued.[3]
4 February: In the early hours, strikes continued amid 3 nights of Cacerolazos in the city of Yangon, where anger has risen due to the military takeover. Facebook was shut down amid the growing street protests. In the night, civilians in houses clapped, chanted and banged pots and pans in their balconies.[4]
See also
References
- ^ "Anti-Coup Protest on Streets of Myanmar's Second City". US news. February 3, 2021.
- ^ "Myanmar coup: Calls for Aung San Suu Kyi release". BBC. 3 February 2021.
- ^ "In Pictures: Striking pans to protest Myanmar's military coup". Al Jazeera. 3 February 2021.
- ^ "Civil Disobedience Movement Gathers Pace in Post-Coup Myanmar". TheDiplomat. February 3, 2021.