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The world’s longest-running civil war is happening right now in Myanmar (Burma), and hardly anyone talks about it. For over 60 years, Myanmar has endured violent conflict within its borders. Millions have fled their homes because of junta bombings, and the intensity of these assaults has only increased in the last few years.
If you’re like many who want to know what’s happening in Myanmar and how this conflict started, we've put together this overview for you. Having been involved in this humanitarian crisis for years, we’ve closely followed our partners in the conflict zones to bring urgently needed relief and hope to those affected by the war.
As you learn more about the refugee crisis in Myanmar, may we continue to match the tenacity of our partners. Although war brings death and destruction, we cannot grow weary in doing good for those facing violent oppression right now.
A Nation Divided
During World War II, Japan recruited the largest ethnic group in Myanmar, the Burmese, to fight in their forces. The British found allies in Myanmar’s second-largest ethnic group, the Karen (kah-REN).
The Karen fought alongside the British with the hope of their promise: they would give the Karen their own land when the war ended.
Tragically, this never came to pass.
The Broken Promise
The British won the war and drove out the Japanese forces.
However, in 1948, instead of giving the Karen independence and the land they were promised, the British left the country entirely over to the Burmese, leaving it up to them to create a political infrastructure.
As a result, the Karen and none of the other 130 ethnic groups in Myanmar were ever recognized politically, and the Burmese sought to overtake their land by whatever means necessary.
Violent Military Rule
In 1962, the Burmese-led military overthrew the government, establishing a military dictatorship. This rule increased violence against Myanmar’s ethnic minorities, dismantling its own people and increasing the economic disparity in the nation.
For decades following, juntas have overthrown each other to gain power. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have courageously protested the ongoing authoritarian rule. Traditionally, Burma’s military has responded to these peaceful demonstrations with open gunfire and imprisonment.
A Fight for Peace
To quiet the people and the increasing scrutiny of countries around the world, the regime was forced to call a general election in 1990.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy Party (NLD) won this election with a landslide victory, garnering 82% of the seats in parliament.
However, the regime never recognized the results of the election. Instead, they imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi and murdered or arrested the majority of her cabinet.
Over the next 21 years, Aung San Suu Kyi faced intermittent house arrest. Despite this, she continued her fight for democracy and human rights for the people of Myanmar.
Surprisingly, the NLD was reinstated in 2012. Under the party, Aung San Suu Kyi ran for constituency in Yangon during elections that year. She easily won, allowing her to institute greater freedoms within the government. After making some progress from a policy standpoint, hope dawned for a new, more peaceful, unified era for Myanmar.
A Contested Election
Myanmar held another election in November 2020, but the results were contested.
Again, Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD won the majority of votes, but the military claimed it to be a fraudulent win. The electoral commission dismissed these claims, and Myanmar’s future seemed hopeful as the newly elected parliament neared its first session on February 1, 2021.
Yet, very early that morning, the military quickly seized power. The rising junta detained Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders in the NLD, allowing the current Vice President, a former military general, to act as president.
The unresolved election complaints allowed the military to declare a one-year state of emergency and take over once again.
From Bad to Genocide
Since the military coup, the junta has cracked down on its violent attacks. The junta ruthlessly targets the Karen and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar with airstrikes on their homes and burying landmines around their villages.
Consequently, millions under assault have fled their homes to seek refuge in nearby regions like Thailand. Many children have lost their parents, and many wives have lost their husbands in this violent conflict.
Mandated Military Service
As of February 2024, the junta started mandating military service for all young people to crush any resistant forces. Now, anyone in Myanmar who fails to comply with this draft faces up to five years in prison.
You Can Send Hope & Relief to Refugees
Many of our partners grew up in conflict zones and were once refugees themselves; others are Burmese and use their status to fight for those facing injustice. Each one works tirelessly to see justice, safety, and freedom reign in their country.
Working together, we’re able to reach thousands of displaced children, widows, and families with nutritious meals, shelter, and the hope of the Gospel.
Although we can’t end the war, we can make a difference for those who have lost loved ones and given up everything to survive.
Right now, 100% of your gift can send urgently needed food, shelter, and hope to families and others displaced by the war in Myanmar.
