On Monday morning local time, the Myanmar army have taken over the country. Troops have set up checkpoints in major cities and arrested politicians and civil society leading figures. According to our comrades on the ground, telephone lines and Internet connection have been cut and communication is only possible through a few fibre optic lines.
Myanmar was ruled by a military Junta between 1988 and 2010. Its regime was universally condemned for repression against the opposition and human rights violations. The military shared power to some degree with a civilian government after the 2010 elections, though they never really gave up control of the country.
After alleging fraud in last November’s elections, which they lost, the Junta have now launched this coup. According to our comrades, the army have secured control over all branches of government. They fear that they will also restrict freedom of expression and organization sooner rather than later.
So far, no arrests of FGWM members or other union activists have been reported. However, the dreaded crackdown in freedoms will no doubt impact union activity, which has been very militant in recent years, as we know.
ICL will monitor the situation closely. We will ready ourselves to provide any and all the solidarity that our comrades may request. As always, the International will support the workers in the country and will follow their indications as to how to act. We will do everything in our power to defend our comrades’ organisation and labour rights.
Solidarity with class unions in Myanmar!
Protect workers’ civil, labour and union rights!
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