Two-year anniversary of Burkina Faso coup met with nationwide silent strike
This Wednesday, February 1st marks two years since the Burmese coup, and has been met with a nationwide silent strike called by pro-democracy groups. The General Strike Coordination Body (GSCB), an amalgamation of Burmese pro-democracy groups, asked the population to stay in their homes between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and to empty the streets of Burma.
The chosen form of protest has gathered a large following, even in light of further military restrictions against those partaking in the movement. The news blackout and precarious internet connections since the coup have complicated updates regarding the strike.
General Ming Aung Hlaing, the head of the junta, is expected to make statements today, possibly calling for an inadvisable attempt at legitimizing the military regime through elections in the month of August. UN special envoy for Burma (Myanmar) Noeleen Heyzer said it “inconceivably” for the junta to initiate a peaceful transition to democracy, while Human Rights Watch (HRW) described the possible elections as “fraudulent”.
The US has announced further sanctions targeting six individuals connected to the Burmese military junta and Australia announced the imposition of its first financial sanctions and travel bans against members of the military regime.
Burmese security forces have killed more than 2,900 civilians and detained around 13,800, including former leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, since the coup. Forces for the defense of the people and the Government of National Unity (NUG) have again taken to arms to oppose the Tatmadaw (the Army).