22-10-2023 (YANGON) In Myanmar, the terms “violence” and “terror” have been used interchangeably since the February 2021 coup, reflecting the deep divide within the nation. The State Administration Council (SAC) military regime branded the People’s Defence Force (PDF) groups as terrorists, accusing them of acts of violence and intimidation. In response, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw declared the SAC a “terrorist group,” while the National Unity Government (NUG) initiated a “people’s defensive war” against the military’s violence. Despite efforts to establish peace, the violence continues to escalate.
While the international community perceives Myanmar’s situation as a civil war, many within the country view it as a national uprising. Peaceful protests persist in various forms across urban and rural areas. The NUG’s Ministry of Defence reports the existence of around 259 PDF units operating nationwide, with more than 400 urban guerrilla forces. However, the NUG struggles to enforce a code of conduct for PDF personnel, leading to occasional deviations.
Ethnic resistance organizations often see the NUG and its PDFs as partners in their struggle against the central government. Intra-ethnic conflicts have caused unintended civilian casualties, making it challenging for the NUG to manage these diverse resistance forces. The SAC faces similar difficulties in maintaining an effective chain of command.
Desertions and defections have plagued both sides, but the SAC’s institutional machinery and control measures provide it with more influence over its troops than the NUG. The battle has persisted for years, causing strain within the SAC’s forces. Some soldiers have refused to engage in combat, indicating a waning commitment to the cause.
In 2023, the SAC’s invitation of the Thai foreign minister to meet Aung San Suu Kyi triggered a strong response from Myanmar’s youth, who remain resolute in their resistance to SAC rule. Elites on both sides struggle to control their supporters and armed sections, making it increasingly difficult to determine the outcome of this enduring conflict. With no clear end in sight, the innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing violence.
