A Brief about Myanmar’s Complex: the Rohingya Crisis in Perspective
Understanding the roots of Rohingya displacement from a conflict-driven perspective.
Myanmar, previously known as Burma, has embarked on a nuanced political journey since breaking free from British colonial rule in 1948. This journey encompasses a rich tapestry of significant events, influential figures, and diverse political movements that have shaped the nation’s trajectory. From enduring decades of military governance under regimes characterized by authoritarianism and human rights abuses, to recent strides towards expanded democracy under civilian leadership, Myanmar’s political landscape has witnessed a profound evolution.
Behind this intricate political landscape lie prominent figures who have played pivotal roles in shaping Myanmar’s destiny. From General Aung San, the revered architect of Burmese independence, to Aung San Suu Kyi, the iconic symbol of democracy whose rise to power marked a new era for the nation, these leaders have left indelible marks on Myanmar’s history.
Moreover, Myanmar’s political arena is a vibrant tapestry of various movements and political parties, each with its own ideologies and aspirations. From the National League for Democracy (NLD), founded by Aung San Suu Kyi and propelled to prominence through its unwavering commitment to democracy, to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), rooted in the military establishment and advocating for stability and security, these entities have shaped the contours of Myanmar’s political discourse.
Amidst these dynamics, Myanmar has witnessed a series of pivotal events that have profoundly influenced its trajectory. From the 8888 Uprising in 1988, a watershed moment in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement that galvanized the nation’s youth and ignited calls for political reform, to the historic 2015 elections that marked a decisive step towards democratic governance, these milestones reflect the nation’s tumultuous journey towards freedom and self-determination.
However, amidst these glimmers of hope, Myanmar has also grappled with deep-seated ethnic tensions and conflicts, particularly in regions like Rakhine state, where the Rohingya Muslim minority has faced systemic discrimination and violence. The Rohingya crisis, which reached its peak with a brutal military crackdown in 2017, underscores the complexities and challenges that continue to beset Myanmar’s path towards peace and reconciliation.
In light of these complexities, understanding Myanmar’s political landscape is crucial for comprehending the context behind the Rohingya crisis and the ongoing challenges facing the nation. As we embark on this exploration, let us unravel the threads of Myanmar’s political odyssey, delving into its past, present, and the intricate interplay of forces that have shaped its journey.
A Brief about All the Complex Elements
The Leaders
Ashin Wirathu
Ashin Wirathu is a Buddhist monk known for his outspoken anti-Muslim rhetoric in Myanmar. He gained prominence as a leading figure in the ultranationalist Buddhist movement known as Ma Ba Tha (Organization for the Protection of Race and Religion). Wirathu has been accused of fueling religious tensions in Myanmar through his speeches and sermons, which often vilify the Muslim minority in the country. He has been involved in promoting legislation aimed at restricting the rights of Muslims, including laws on interfaith marriage and religious conversion. Wirathu’s inflammatory rhetoric has contributed to the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar and has been linked to incidents of violence against Muslim communities in the country.
Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi
Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi is a senior leader of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an armed group operating in Rakhine State, Myanmar. ARSA emerged in response to the persecution and discrimination faced by the Rohingya ethnic minority in Myanmar, while also been accused by the Myanmar government of engaging in violent attacks against security forces, which has led to a brutal crackdown and military operations in Rakhine State. The role of Jununi and ARSA in the conflict in Myanmar has been a subject of international debate, with some viewing them as freedom fighters defending the rights of the Rohingya people, while others condemn their use of violence and tactics.
Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi is a prominent political figure in Myanmar, known for her advocacy for democracy and human rights. She is the daughter of General Aung San, a Burmese independence hero, and Daw Khin Kyi, a prominent diplomat. Aung San Suu Kyi rose to international prominence during the late 1980s as the leader of the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar. She spent many years under house arrest for her opposition to the military dictatorship in Myanmar, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. However, Aung San Suu Kyi has faced widespread criticism in recent years for her response to the Rohingya crisis. Many international observers and human rights organizations have accused her of failing to condemn the military’s actions against the Rohingya minority and of defending Myanmar’s military in the face of allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Her perceived failure to protect the rights of the Rohingya has led to calls for her Nobel Peace Prize to be revoked and has tarnished her once-vaunted reputation as a champion of human rights and democracy.
Min Aung Hlaing
Min Aung Hlaing is the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, also known as the Tatmadaw. He has held this position since March 2011, succeeding General Than Shwe. Under his leadership, the Tatmadaw has been involved in various conflicts and operations, including in Rakhine State where Rohingya Muslims have faced persecution. Min Aung Hlaing has been accused of human rights abuses, including allegations of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Rohingya population. Despite international condemnation and calls for accountability, he has remained defiant, defending the Tatmadaw’s actions and denying any wrongdoing. His role as the head of the Tatmadaw has been a key factor in shaping the dynamics of the conflict in Myanmar and has drawn significant attention from the international community.
Ne Win
Ne Win was a prominent military leader who ruled Myanmar from 1962 to 1988, leading the country through a period of military dictatorship. He seized power in a coup in 1962 and established the Burma Socialist Programme Party as the sole legal political party. Ne Win’s rule was characterized by authoritarianism, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses, leading to widespread unrest and protests in 1988 that eventually led to his resignation. His regime implemented socialist economic policies, including nationalization of industries and agriculture, which ultimately led to economic stagnation and decline. Despite his initial popularity as a nationalist leader, Ne Win’s authoritarian rule and economic policies contributed to Myanmar’s isolation and underdevelopment during his tenure.
U Win Myint
U Win Myint is the current President of Myanmar, assuming office in March 2018 following the resignation of the former president, Htin Kyaw. Prior to his presidency, U Win Myint served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower house of Myanmar’s parliament. He has been a prominent figure in the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and has played a key role in the party’s parliamentary activities. As president, U Win Myint has faced numerous challenges, including the Rohingya crisis and efforts to resolve long-standing ethnic conflicts in Myanmar. His presidency has been marked by ongoing political and economic reforms, as well as efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the country.
Political Movement
Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA)
ARSA is an armed group active in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. They emerged in response to the persecution of the Rohingya ethnic group by the Myanmar government. ARSA is often seen as a driving force in the conflict in Rakhine because their attacks on Myanmar security posts have triggered harsh military responses and led to serious humanitarian tragedies.
Ma Ba Tha
Ma Ba Tha is a influential Buddhist nationalist movement in Myanmar. They promote Buddhist identity as an integral part of Myanmar’s national identity and have played a role in the increasing anti-Muslim sentiments in the country. Ma Ba Tha is often considered as one of the factors in religious tensions in Myanmar, including in the conflict in Rakhine.
National League for Democracy (NLD)
The NLD, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, is a major political party in Myanmar. They won the general election in 2015, marking a significant transition towards greater democracy in the country. However, the NLD’s response to the Rohingya crisis has been widely criticized internationally, underscoring the political complexities in Myanmar.
Tatmadaw
The Tatmadaw is the Myanmar Armed Forces which holds significant power in the country’s politics. They have played a crucial role in the suppression of the Rohingya ethnic group and conducted large-scale military operations in Rakhine. The involvement of the Tatmadaw in this conflict is a major focal point and an important factor in understanding the conflict in Myanmar.
The State Counsellor
The State Counsellor is a position created for Aung San Suu Kyi following the NLD’s victory in the 2015 general election. While Suu Kyi holds this position, she has faced criticism for her response to the Rohingya crisis and restrictions on freedom of speech in the country. Suu Kyi’s role in managing the conflict in Rakhine is crucial to understand in the context of this conflict.
Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
The USDP is a political party formed after the 2010 general election in Myanmar. They were initially supported by the military government and have since been the main opposition to the NLD in parliament. The role of the USDP in Myanmar’s politics demonstrates the dynamics of political competition in the country and its relevance to the conflict in Rakhine.
The Timeline
Early Independence Period (1948–1962):
- Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, achieved independence from British colonial rule in 1948, after a long struggle led by nationalist leaders like Aung San.
- However, the country soon faced significant internal challenges. Conflict erupted between the new central government and ethnic minority groups seeking autonomy.
- The early government led by U Nu, supported by the Buddhist majority, struggled to maintain political stability in the face of challenges from various armed ethnic groups and rebellions.
Military Era (1962–2011):
- In 1962, General Ne Win led a military coup that toppled the civilian government and established an authoritarian military regime.
- Ne Win’s government was known for its isolationist economic policies, dubbed the “Burmese Way to Socialism,” and strict political repression against opponents.
- Ethnic conflict continued under the military regime, with minority ethnic groups such as the Karen, Kachin, Shan, and Rohingya facing severe oppression by the Myanmar military.
- Amid political tensions and instability, a pro-democracy movement emerged, with Aung San Suu Kyi leading the resistance against the military regime and founding the National League for Democracy (NLD) in 1988.
Transition Towards Democracy (2011-Present):
- In 2011, the military government began loosening its grip on power and initiated a series of political and economic reforms.
- Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest, and the NLD participated in the 2015 elections, winning a majority of parliamentary seats and forming a new civilian government.
- However, the transition to stable and inclusive democracy did not proceed smoothly. Ongoing ethnic conflicts, particularly in Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine states, continue to threaten peace and stability in Myanmar.
- The Rohingya crisis in 2017 brought international attention, with the Myanmar military accused of conducting brutal military operations against the Rohingya ethnic minority, leading to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh
So, Why is Rohingya?
Several factors contribute to the harsh attitudes towards the Rohingya in Myanmar:
- Historical Suspicion and Ethnic Identity: Most Rakhine ethnic groups, the majority in the areas where Rohingya reside, believe that Rohingya are immigrants from Bangladesh and have no right to stay in Myanmar. This view is based on selective historical interpretations and strong ethnic identity sentiments among the Rakhine community.
- Religion and Cultural Differences: Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic group in a predominantly Buddhist country. Religious tensions and cultural differences have led to distrust and conflict between Rohingya and the majority ethnic groups in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine state.
- Politics and Nationalism: Amidst ethnic tensions in Myanmar, some political groups and nationalists use the Rohingya issue as a tool to bolster nationalism and rally domestic support. They capitalize on anti-Rohingya sentiments to gain political backing and strengthen their nationalist agenda.
- Identity and Citizenship Crisis: Myanmar government policies restricting citizenship rights and denying Rohingya recognition as citizens have heightened tensions and distrust among ethnic communities in Myanmar. Rejection of Rohingya identity as Myanmar citizens has resulted in systematic discrimination and political instability in the areas where they reside.
- Propaganda and Negative Stereotypes: Myanmar media and political figures often use propaganda and negative stereotypes to portray Rohingya as a threat to national security and stability. This has reinforced negative perceptions of Rohingya among Myanmar society and exacerbated tensions between ethnic groups.
The Perspective: How the Crisis Begin in a Deep-seated Hatred
In Myanmar, there are political parties and nationalists who openly oppose Rohingya rights and use the issue for their political interests. One of the most well-known parties is the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), dominated by former military personnel and known for its hardline stance towards Rohingya. In addition to the USDP, there are also nationalist groups like the Ma Ba Tha (Organization for the Protection of Race and Religion), which has been active in spreading anti-Rohingya propaganda in Myanmar.
Ma Ba Tha is known for its fierce campaign against Muslim minorities in Myanmar, including Rohingya, and supporting government policies that curtail their rights. One concrete example of anti-Rohingya rhetoric reinforced by political parties and nationalist groups was during the peak of the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in 2017. At that time, there were attacks by Rohingya armed groups on Myanmar military posts, followed by a brutal response from the Myanmar government in the form of military operations termed “ethnic cleansing” by many international observers.
At the same time, many politicians and nationalist figures in Myanmar, including members of the USDP and Ma Ba Tha, used this event to strengthen anti-Rohingya sentiments among the public. They blamed Rohingya for the violence and expressed their support for Myanmar government’s harsh actions. Some of them even demanded harsher actions against Rohingya and rejected humanitarian aid offers for them. Evidence of anti-Rohingya rhetoric and political campaigns based on this issue can be found in official statements, speeches, and social media of politicians and nationalist figures in Myanmar during that period.
While there is no concrete evidence of political parties or nationalist groups directly initiating violence against Rohingya, their rhetoric has contributed to an atmosphere that worsens the humanitarian situation in Myanmar. These nationalist groups often use anti-Rohingya rhetoric to create a negative image of them, capitalizing on fear and uncertainty among Myanmar society regarding security and stability issues. They spread misleading propaganda, portraying Rohingya as a threat to Myanmar’s national identity and Buddhist religion.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar government is also involved in reinforcing anti-Rohingya narratives through policies and actions that suppress, such as restricting humanitarian access and information in Rakhine state, and refusing to use the term “Rohingya” in official speeches and other official documents. This illustrates the government’s efforts to assert the view that Rohingya are not part of Myanmar’s national identity and are not entitled to protection or recognition from the state. As anti-Rohingya narratives are reinforced by politicians and nationalist figures, it strengthens attitudes of hostility and discrimination against Rohingya among Myanmar society, even sparking violence between ethnic groups and escalating tensions in the country. Thus, politics and nationalism have become key factors in exacerbating the Rohingya situation in Myanmar.
