The Military Coup Threat Myth

Burma Campaign UK | October 11. 2017

Burma Briefing No.44

A persistent myth that the military in Burma are looking for an excuse to retake direct control of the country is now being used to justify inaction over the ethnic cleansing and possible genocide of the Rohingya.

For some, it is a genuine fear, for others, it is a convenient political excuse for inaction.

While a misplaced fear of a coup is understandable given Burma’s history, it misreads the current political set-up in the country. The political system in Burma now is entirely the creation of the military, and is working very well for them.

The false threat of a military coup must not continue to be used as a reason for inaction, allowing horrific human rights violations to continue.

Download the full briefing (PDF) in English here.