austraLasia

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World, 8 February 2022 -- On the first anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar (1 February 2022) we see world-wide attention, solidarity, appeals, reflection and prayers for the possibly fast peaceful solution for the suffering people of this country. The Tatmadaw—Myanmar’s armed forces—deposed the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February 2021. A junta headed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing took power and has held on to it ruthlessly with bloody crackdowns on protesters and rebel militias. Over 1,500 protesters and innocent civilians (also children) have been killed so far, and nearly 12,000 others arrested and hundreds of thousands were displaced or even fled the country due to this ognoing 'civil war'. Although there is apparently no breaking news and the violent suppression of freedom, killing of innocent citizens is going on, there are some signs of international pressure, and concrete solidarity so much requested by the Myanmar people.

Pope Francis during the Angelus (Vatican, February 2)

"For a year now, we have been watching the violence in Myanmar with sorrow. I echo the appeal of the Burmese bishops for the international community to work for reconciliation between the parties concerned. We cannot look away from the suffering of so many brothers and sisters. Let us ask God in prayer for consolation for this tormented population. To him we entrust our efforts for peace".

Cardinal Charles Bo, SDB (Archbishop of Yangon, February 1)

“There is a stalemate. Conflict broke our communities. Rebuilding trust and rebuilding our institutions will be a long arduous task...The world can show greater attention to solving the issues of Myanmar. Of course, the world is distracted by the terrible events in Afghanistan, Ukraine and Ethiopia, but Myanmar is also torn apart and the economy is collapsing,.. It is urgent to stop the fighting, cease the violence, allow humanitarian assistance to the displaced people...All kinds of people have suffered in this unfortunate tear-filled saga. Everybody is affected. Millions of people are hungry...Thousands of people are unjustly imprisoned and they should be released immediately, he added. Several of them “were running the government a year ago. They are our people and they need to be released and involved in the reconciliation process,”

Catholic news agency (FIDES, February 2)

Yangon, Mandalay and other Burmese cities were empty and silent yesterday. The people of Myanmar wanted to mark the first anniversary of Myanmar's military coup on February 1, 2020 with a massive "silent strike. Yesterday, a large peaceful protest, coordinated for months at the national level, called on citizens across the country to close their businesses and stay at home. The effect was to see deserted cities, with no traffic, no people on the streets.

United Nations (OCHA - Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

According to the latest estimates by the United Nations (OCHA), Myanmar’s turmoil is projected to have driven almost half the country’s 54 million people into poverty, wiping out the impressive gains made since 2005.  It is now estimated that 14 out of 15 states and regions are within the critical threshold for acute malnutrition.  The UN estimates 25 million are in poverty, with 14.4 million in need of humanitarian aid in some form or other in 2022.

Salesians of Don Bosco

Amidst of all these horrible events, we give thanks that the Salesians of Myanmar Vice-province (Mary Help of Christians) are keeping safe and growing in vocations. Among the 13 aspirants and prenovices in Thibaw, another 5 are being prepared for the novitiate. At the same time, the Salesian Family in Myanmar is giving its humble contribution to this humanitarian crisis through 'food centres' and other 'Good Samaritan' assistance to many people around our communities.