Conflict in myanmar

What is the official name of Myanmar?

Republic of the Union of Myanmar (formerly Burma).

When did the Myanmar military coup take place?

February 1, 2021.

What triggered the 2021 coup?

The military (Tatmadaw) claimed widespread fraud in the 2020 elections, which were won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party.

Who is Aung San Suu Kyi?

Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), detained during the coup.

What is the Tatmadaw?

Myanmar’s armed forces, which have dominated politics for decades.

What group was formed to resist the coup militarily?

The People’s Defense Forces (PDF), under the National Unity Government (NUG).

What is the National Unity Government (NUG)?

A parallel government formed by elected officials, activists, and ethnic leaders opposing the junta.

What is the State Administration Council (SAC)?

The military-led governing body established after the coup.

What sparked the civil war in Myanmar?

Nationwide armed resistance against the military junta following the brutal crackdown on peaceful protests.

Which regions have seen the most intense fighting?

Sagaing, Chin, Kayah, Kachin, and Shan states.

How many major ethnic armed organizations exist in Myanmar?

Over 20, including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Karen National Union (KNU), and Arakan Army (AA).

What do ethnic armed groups fight for?

Autonomy, federalism, or independence from central rule.

What is the Arakan Army (AA)?

An armed group based in Rakhine State, demanding autonomy for ethnic Rakhine people.

What role have these groups played post-coup?

Many resumed offensives or allied with resistance forces against the military junta.

What ethnic minority suffered genocide in 2017?

The Rohingya Muslims.

What happened to the Rohingya in 2017?

A military crackdown led to mass killings, rapes, and over 700,000 fleeing to Bangladesh.

How has the UN described the 2017 Rohingya crisis?

A textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Where are most Rohingya refugees now?

Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Has anyone been held accountable for the Rohingya atrocities?

International efforts are ongoing, including ICC investigations.

How has the UN responded to the 2021 coup?

Condemned the coup, called for restoration of democracy, and imposed some sanctions.

What countries have imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s military?

United States, EU, UK, and Canada.

What country has supported Myanmar’s junta diplomatically?

China (also Russia to some extent).

Has ASEAN played a role?

How many people have been displaced by the conflict (as of 2025)?

What is the "Five-Point Consensus"?

ASEAN's 2021 peace plan for Myanmar, largely ignored by the junta.

How many people have been displaced by the conflict (as of 2025)?

Over 3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

What sectors have been most affected?

Healthcare, education, food supply, and infrastructure.

What are some tactics used by the junta against civilians?

Airstrikes, village burnings, arrests, and internet blackouts.

What’s the status of press freedom in Myanmar?

Severely restricted; many journalists jailed or exiled.Severely restricted; many journalists jailed or exiled.

What is the economic situation in Myanmar since the coup?

Collapse of currency, soaring inflation, poverty, and job loss.

Does the military still control the country?

Yes, but they face strong resistance and have lost control in some rural areas.

Is there hope for a democratic transition?

Difficult, as violence persists and peace talks have failed.

What is the role of youth in the resistance?

Young people lead many PDF units and underground networks.

Has international intervention occurred militarily?

No, only diplomatic pressure and humanitarian aid.

What is the long-term solution proposed by many opposition groups?

A federal democratic union respecting ethnic autonomy and human rights.