Link to Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55892489
The 64 year old general has risen steadily through the ranks of Myanmar’s powerful military. He has spent his career in this influential military as commander-in-cheif for the past decade, resulting in significant political power before the 1 February coup.
He has recieved international condemnation and sanctions from the international community for his role in the military attacks on ethnic minorities. In August 2018 the UN Human Rights Council said: “Myanmar’s top military generals, including Commander-in-Chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing, must be investigated and prosecuted for genocide in the north of Rakhine State, as well as for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States.” The US also sanctioned him twice – in 2019 for his alleged role in “ethnic cleansing” and human rights violations, and in July 2020 the UK also imposed sanctions on him.
Min Aung was charged with allegations of murder, rape, and arson against his troops before he was assigned to the military’s top post a year later. When he became chief, Hla Oo, an old friend and writer, described him as “a battle-hardened warrior of brutal Burmese Army”, but also called him a “serious scholar and gentleman”.
When Myanmar shifted to a democratic nation he: adapted to change by working and appearing at public events with Aung San Suu Kyi-leader of the National League for democracy- successfully maintained power and political influence, and now looks to extend his influence under military rule which he leads.
The November 2020 election saw a landslide win for the NLD, yet continues to be repeatedly disputed by the Tatmadaw and military-backed USDP and made allgations of wide-spread election fraud. On 27 January Min Aung Hlaing warned that “the constitution shall be abolished, if not followed”.
The morning of 1 February, the Tatmadaw detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other senior leaders, and declared a year-long state of emergency. Min Aung Hlaing has seized hold of the country and looks to transition the country back under military rule.
Myanmar faces unsettling troubles as its democracy has been jeopardized and is looking at facing the forthcoming year under harsh military rule in which is lead by Min Aung Hlaing, who is known for his brutality and unforgiving qualities. Min Aung Hlaing’s successful efforts of occupying the country uncover the deeply routed corruption within the country’s government.
The situation in Myanmar can be compared to the response of the United States 2020 election results, in which the person of power claimed there was wide-spread election fraud in order to maintain power for another 4 years, or possibly more. This is the danger that comes with democracy and can sometimes can lead to dictatorship depending on how strong the democracy of that nation is.
How the international community responds to Min Aung’s actions will be critical in the forthcoming weeks. It has already been expressed by western nations that they disaprove of Min Aung’s character, let alone his leadership within the military.
What has been seen in Myanmar over the past years can very well build up to potential conflict in which if the international community does not step up now, could potentially result in wide-spread genocide and maybe even humanitarian disaster.