Myanmar in “Polycrisis” as US Aid Freeze Compounds Long-Term Donor Neglect

Picture: This normal-looking street scene from Myanmar's largest city of Yangon in April 2023 belies the true state of a country where nearly every negative indicator is pointing upwards | Matt Hunt/SOPA Images/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

In this article by The New Humanitarian, Thin Lei Win asserts that “[t]he longer the conflict goes on, the higher the possibility of the rise of warlords. Once we reach there, it’ll be much more difficult to rebuild.”

As Myanmar enters a fifth year under renewed military rule, it is staring down a grim future: Fractured communities continue to be terrorised by brutal killings and repeated air raids, while dwindling humanitarian aid faces further cuts despite unprecedented needs.

Half the population is in poverty, the healthcare infrastructure lies in tatters, and the currency has lost 70% of its value, even as food prices soar and infectious diseases are on the rise. There is little sign that fighting between regime and opposition forces will abate or that the military junta, which has said it plans to hold elections this year, will back down.

In fact, it is accused of abducting young people to enforce a pre-existing conscription law and has banned possible conscripts from foreign travel, adding to the fear and uncertainty coursing through the country. Millions have sought refuge in neighbouring Thailand, but the Thai authorities there are now accused of deporting people who are then forced to join the military.