The Myanmar military junta has requested international aid following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, complicating recovery efforts already hindered by civil conflict and humanitarian issues. The junta’s history of weaponizing aid raises concerns about effective distribution, while media blackouts and military actions further obscure the extent of damage and recovery needs. Calls for ceasefires from opposition groups have been rejected, indicating the junta’s focus on maintaining power above humanitarian concerns.

Myanmar’s military junta, facing isolation due to internal conflicts and human rights allegations, has made an unexpected appeal for international humanitarian assistance following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28. Junta spokesman General Zaw Min Tun stated, “We need and want the international community to provide humanitarian aid.” However, the ongoing civil war complicates recovery efforts by obscuring the full extent of damage and impeding aid distribution.

The Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, has been engaged in combat with pro-democracy rebels and ethnic militias since the 2021 coup. Before the earthquake, the country, with a population of 52 million, had already been grappling with severe instability, leading to over 6,000 civilian deaths and more than three million displacements. The disaster further strained an already depleted healthcare system, as hospitals in Mandalay and Naypyidaw dealt with shortages of medical supplies and fatigued staff due to long-standing military policies against certain medical professionals.

Accurate assessments of the earthquake’s impact remain elusive. Initial estimates suggested a death toll exceeding 10,000, yet many areas remain inaccessible, and there is a significant media blackout. The Myanmar Internet Project reported 357 shutdowns since the coup, severely limiting the flow of information. Researches argue that the junta employs internet outages as a strategy to inhibit communication among resistance groups and divert global scrutiny.

Time-sensitive calls for lifting internet restrictions emphasize the need for improved communication to facilitate emergency rescue operations. In stark contrast to the thorough coverage of the disaster in Thailand, Myanmar’s media blackout renders it difficult to obtain a clear picture of the devastation, as reported by Amnesty International researcher Joe Freeman.

The junta’s handling of aid distribution has raised concerns. A coalition of civil organizations warned against channelling assistance through the military, citing its history of weaponizing aid to solidify control. Previous natural disasters reveal the junta’s pattern of obstruction; after Cyclone Nargis in 2008, it initially denied international help and failed to establish necessary infrastructure for aid delivery. Reports indicate similar blockages of aid efforts following Cyclone Mocha in 2023.

Reports have surfaced of the military confiscating aid and blocking delivery routes, particularly in regions controlled by pro-democracy forces. As evidenced, the junta provides assistance in areas under its control, while less urgent responses have been noted in opposition strongholds like Sagaing, exacerbating inequalities in aid distribution.

In a nation steeped in superstition, the earthquake is interpreted as an omen of the junta’s impending downfall. Some commentators advocate for viewing the disaster as an opportunity to accelerate the resolution of ongoing conflict. The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration formed by individuals ousted in the coup, proposed a two-week ceasefire to facilitate rescue efforts, although the junta has rejected this, viewing ethnic groups’ military activities as threats.

Military actions have persisted even in the wake of the earthquake, undermining calls for ceasefire. Observers note that junta leader MAH’s responses—such as denying overture proposals from the NUG—align with a broader strategy focused on maintaining military dominance and repressing opposition. As Burmese activist Maung Zarni stated, “The junta is 100% focused on keeping itself in power.

The situation in Myanmar remains dire following the recent earthquake, which has exacerbated existing humanitarian challenges amidst ongoing civil conflict. The junta’s reluctance to permit unfettered international aid and its historical weaponization of assistance raise significant concerns regarding effective recovery efforts. Despite calls for cooperation and potential ceasefires, the military’s actions indicate an unwavering commitment to preserving power, leaving the future of humanitarian response in deep uncertainty. It is crucial for the international community to closely monitor developments and ensure that aid reaches those in need without military interference.

Original Source: time.com

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