Home to stunning landscapes, diverse architecture, and more than 100 different ethnic groups, Myanmar has been a hidden gem for world travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike for much of its history.
But in 2021, a civil war broke out between the military government and rebels fighting for democracy. Now, Myanmar has turned into a nation divided by conflict — and it isn’t the first time.
Shaped By War
Britain’s takeover of Burma marked the beginning of over a century of unrest
Until the late 20th century, Myanmar was known as Burma. The Kingdom of Burma has existed since the 2nd century A.D. under a variety of rulers, dynasties, and governments.
But during the Third Anglo-Burmese War from 1885-86, Great Britain invaded Burma and annexed the country. It became a colony together with India under British rule. It wasn’t until 1937 that Great Britain granted Burma independence from India.
However, the British still occupied Burma, and unrest brewed as World War II raged in the Pacific. In 1940, a Burmese Nationalist leader named Aung San formed the Burmese Independence Army in Japan, intent on driving the British out. After Japan invaded Burma, Allied forces launched a counterattack to keep control of the country.
For the next three years, Burma was a hotspot in the war. In 1945, the country was finally cleared of Japanese troops. Aung San and Great Britain reached an agreement soon after: Burma would finally be independent again.
A New Government
Aung San helped Burma get its freedom, but he was killed before he could lead the country
But more trouble was on the horizon for the developing nation. Aung San and his party won the country’s election to form a transitional government, but sadly, he and most of his cabinet were assassinated by party rivals in 1947.
For the next 20 years, the newly independent Burma faced mounting civil unrest as rebels clashed with the government. Then, in 1962, the military seized control of the country and established an authoritarian rule.
Under military rule, Burma became one of the most impoverished countries in Southeast Asia. Opposing political parties were banned, and the government retained tight control on all forms of media.
To make matters worse, countries like Japan, West Germany, and the U.S. imposed sanctions on Burma during this time, further impoverishing its weary population.
Burma — now Myanmar — held its first multiparty elections in almost three decades in 1990. An opposition party, called the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won control of the government.
But what seemed like a reprieve for the Burmese people quickly fell apart after the military government ignored the election results and put Suu Kyi under house arrest.
Rising Hope for Myanmar
In the early 2000s, Myanmar began moving toward democracy, which gave people more freedom
As the 2000s dawned, Myanmar continued to struggle with poverty and corruption. Civilians and activist groups held protests advocating for freedom of expression under a new democracy.
In 2010, their cries seemed to be answered: military rule was replaced with a new, civilian-backed government. Myanmar held its first elections since 1990. By the beginning of 2011, the transition to the new government was completed.
This period marked widespread change for Myanmar. As part of the transition to a new democratic government, thousands of political prisoners were freed, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
The new government also allowed peaceful demonstrations for the first time in the country’s recent history. As a response to the widespread reforms, the U.S. and other countries eased the sanctions on Myanmar, allowing the nation to begin healing economically.
Myanmar’s government still struggled with ongoing corruption and power struggles during this time. Even though freedom of expression expanded, claims of human rights abuses persisted. For example, protests erupted when a journalist was arrested in 2014 over seemingly arbitrary claims. Unregulated mining, pervasive drug trafficking issues, and the Rohingya refugee crisis also contributed to corruption, international tension, and instability during this period.
But despite the growing pains, the newly democratic country seemed to be heading in a better direction — until four years ago.
A Country in Civil War
In 2021, a civil war broke out, forcing many people in Myanmar to flee their homes
In February 2021, a military coup launched Myanmar into another civil war. Since then, countless civilians have been caught in the crossfire.
To make matters worse, the civil war has plunged the nation back into poverty, and many people are feeling the pinch of sanctions, shortages, and rising prices. Tens of thousands of men, women, and children have fled their homes to escape the violence, and even more are going hungry.
The military government has also cracked down on dissent in its controlled regions. They’ve even destroyed entire villages belonging to the opposition.
A Historic Natural Disaster
After the huge earthquake that struck Myanmar, people need help and hope now more than ever
Then, on March 28 of this year, a historic 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated the war-torn nation. Thousands of buildings collapsed in the disaster, including homes, hospitals, and schools. Over 3,700 people died, with countless more injured.
This deadly disaster has also plunged Burmese civilians even further into poverty. Right now, more than 4.3 million people urgently need supplies like clean water and hygiene items. And since the earthquake struck during an important agricultural season, the country is also facing increased food insecurity.
As a result, men, women, and especially children are going hungry. As people try to recover from this disaster, they’re also caught in a violent war … and there seems to be no end in sight.
How You Can Help
You can provide lifesaving supplies to someone in Myanmar today
Myanmar’s recent history has been shaped by civil unrest, authoritarian rule, and ongoing poverty. Now, they’re also struggling to recover from one of the worst natural disasters in decades.
But here’s the good news — you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in Myanmar and worldwide. Here are two ways to support disaster victims in Myanmar:
1. One of the most important things you can do is pray. Pray that earthquake victims would get the essentials they need to survive. Pray for an end to the civil war and for lasting relief for the Burmese people. Pray also that God would shine the light of the Gospel in Myanmar.
2. You can also give to provide emergency aid in places like Myanmar and Thailand. When you donate, you’ll provide an earthquake victim or another person in urgent need with lifesaving supplies like food, clean water, medicine, and more.
You can also make sure Myanmar isn’t forgotten. Share their needs with your friends and include them in your daily prayers. Ultimately, only God can bring true healing to Myanmar. But you can give help and hope to civilians struggling to move forward.
Will you help answer Myanmar’s desperate cries for help? You’ll be a lifeline for people in need and demonstrate God’s love in their darkest hours.