‘Peace is possible’ in Myanmar

Myanmar has been wracked by violence since a military coup in 2021 overthrew Aun San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government and plunged it into conflict.

Members of an insurgent militia in Myanmar. Photo: Vatican News

WelCom November 2024

Myanmar has been wracked by violence since a military coup in 2021 overthrew Aun San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government and plunged it into conflict.

Speaking to Vatican Media, the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo reflected on the grave situation, where an estimated 40,000 migrants are currently crossing borders in search of safety.

‘People are hiding in the jungles,’ Cardinal Bo said, adding that many of the young are becoming migrant workers, forced to leave because of the very complex situation in the country.’

The conflict, which has involved not just the military and insurgents but also the People’s Defence Force, shows no signs of abating. 

‘For the moment, it is unpredictable,’ said the Cardinal. ‘We don’t see the future very clearly. It’s hard to know what will happen next.’

Despite international efforts, including a recent meeting of ASEAN countries who met in Laos to find a way to tackle the war in Myanmar, Cardinal Bo said progress towards peace remains elusive.

‘Both sides were urged to stop fighting, but on the ground, the insurgents are taking positions while the military uses air raids. It’s very difficult,’ he said. ‘We don’t blame any side. Instead, we call on them to come to the table for reconciliation.’

When asked about reported calls for peace talks by the military junta, Cardinal Bo acknowledged the challenges of trust between the warring factions but said he maintains hope: ‘For the time being, fighting continues. But we remain firm in our belief that peace is possible.’

Source: Vatican News