Protests in Myanmar on February 8, 2021

On February 8, 2021, Myanmar witnessed widespread protests as thousands of people took to the streets across various cities to oppose the military coup that had occurred a week earlier, on February 1, 2021. This marked one of the largest demonstrations in the country since the coup, reflecting the public’s strong opposition to the military’s actions.

Background

• The Coup: On February 1, 2021, Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized control of the government, detaining key political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. The military justified the coup by alleging widespread electoral fraud in the November 2020 general elections, which Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide.

• Immediate Aftermath: The coup led to a state of emergency being declared for one year, with power transferred to Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing. The military’s actions were met with international condemnation and calls for the restoration of democracy.

The Protests

• Scale and Scope: On February 8, 2021, protests erupted in major cities, including Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw. Demonstrators, comprising students, workers, and civil servants, demanded the release of detained leaders and the restoration of the civilian government.

• Symbols and Slogans: Protesters used the three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance, and carried banners with slogans such as “Reject the military coup” and “Respect our votes.” The protests were largely peaceful, with participants engaging in acts of civil disobedience.

• Government Response: The military government responded with increasing force, deploying water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse crowds. Despite these measures, the protests continued to grow, fueled by widespread public discontent.

Broader Historical Significance

• Civil Disobedience Movement: The protests on February 8 were part of a broader Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) that saw widespread participation from various sectors, including healthcare workers, teachers, and railway staff, who refused to work under the military regime.

• International Reaction: The international community, including the United Nations and various governments, expressed concern over the military’s use of force against peaceful protesters and reiterated calls for the restoration of democracy.

• Long-term Impact: The protests marked the beginning of a prolonged period of unrest and resistance in Myanmar, highlighting the population’s determination to oppose military rule and demand democratic governance.

The events of February 8, 2021, were a pivotal moment in Myanmar’s ongoing struggle for democracy, underscoring the resilience and courage of its people in the face of authoritarianism.