'Rude and Insolent': Fraught Talks Preceded Myanmar's Army Seizing Power

Demonstrators denounce the military coup in Myanmar, at a rally in Yangon, Feb. 9, 2021, calling for military leaders to be arrested. Photo by VOA Burmese Service

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Late on Jan. 28, Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi destroyed her phone to prevent it falling into the hands of the military, according to two people close to her. Some of her friends and colleagues started to pack their bags, either preparing to flee or in expectation of being arrested.

Talks had been held that day in the capital Naypyitaw between representatives of Suu Kyi and army leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing over the legitimacy of Suu Kyi’s party’s sweeping victory in November’s general election. The meeting had ended badly, with no agreement.

Reuters spoke to nine people, including government advisers and others who worked closely with Suu Kyi, to reconstruct the events that led to her arrest and the toppling of her civilian government by the military on Feb. 1. The people spoke on condition of anonymity; the army has been jailing opponents of the coup. Most of the details have not previously been reported.

Click here to keep reading. Poppy McPherson writes for Reuters.