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BREAKING: Myanmar’s military is reportedly staging a coup. We’ll update you here as the story develops.
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar https://twitter.com/waiwainu/status/1356019601998491656
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar https://twitter.com/waiwainu/status/1356019601998491656
The army has declared a one-year state of emergency and installed Vice President Myint Swe, a general, as head of state.
The announcement cited Article 417 of the constitution, which permits a military takeover to prevent "disintegration of the Union". https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/tatmadaw-seizes-power-under-state-of-emergency-to-rule-for-a-year/
The announcement cited Article 417 of the constitution, which permits a military takeover to prevent "disintegration of the Union". https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/tatmadaw-seizes-power-under-state-of-emergency-to-rule-for-a-year/
Rumours of a coming coup arose last month, when the military and its proxy party the USDP had still not recognised the outcome of the November general election, which Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party won in a landslide.
An NLD spokesman said on 17 Jan: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/coup-not-allowed-democracy-nld-says.html
An NLD spokesman said on 17 Jan: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/coup-not-allowed-democracy-nld-says.html
The threat escalated on 26 Jan, when a military spokesperson said the army would "take action" if its claims of electoral fraud were not addressed. The spokesman declined to rule out staging a coup. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-military-idUSKBN29V1HI
On 28 Jan, military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing vowed to protect Myanmar's constitution, while in the same breath saying "if the law is not abided by, [the constitution] must be repealed". https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/commander-in-chief-says-constitution-can-be-repealed
In a meeting with the NLD, the military demanded to abolish the Election Commission, recount the votes, and postpone the new parliament.
Aung San Suu Kyi refused.
Aung San Suu Kyi refused.
The next day, tanks rolled into major cities in Myanmar. Military officials claimed they were being "test driven".
Hundreds of police were deployed to the capital. https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/tanks-appear-on-city-streets-as-fears-of-a-possible-coup-continue
Hundreds of police were deployed to the capital. https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/tanks-appear-on-city-streets-as-fears-of-a-possible-coup-continue
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court heard claims the USDP that Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and the Election Commission chairman broke the law during the Nov election, though experts pointed out that the court has no power to overturn an election. https://www.irrawaddy.com/elections/myanmars-supreme-court-hears-election-misconduct-claims-president-suu-kyi.html
On 30 Jan, a dozen embassies, including the US and EU, urged Myanmar to "adhere to democratic norms". https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2059323/un-embassies-fret-over-myanmar-coup-talk
The military chief clapped back: "The Tatmadaw is protecting the 2008 constitution and will act according to the law. Some organizations and media assumed what they want and wrote as Tatmadaw will abolish the constitution." https://www.dw.com/en/myanmar-army-backtracks-amid-coup-fears/a-56390671
By 31 Jan, it seemed like the military had concluded its PSYOP, and the threat of a real coup had dissipated. https://twitter.com/rshorsey/status/1355404068382883840?s=20
Early the next morning, internet connections were disrupted and state television went off air as the NLD leaders and lawmakers were rounded up by men in military garb. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics/myanmar-military-seizes-power-detains-elected-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-idUSKBN2A00VC
Why would the military stage a coup? They already held veto power over charter changes and control over the ministries of defense, home affairs and border.
The answer lies with Min Aung Hlaing, who is required by law to retire later this year. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2031635/whats-next-for-myanmars-military-chief-after-65-
The answer lies with Min Aung Hlaing, who is required by law to retire later this year. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2031635/whats-next-for-myanmars-military-chief-after-65-
Extending his tenure by force not only protects him from prosecution for countless crimes against humanity—it also preserves his place atop a vast business empire that has enriched his family and a tight group of generals and cronies. https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/who-profits-from-a-coup-the-power-and-greed-of-senior-general-min-aung-hlaing
Here's some background information on the tanks that appeared in Yangon in the days before the coup, via @Altsean https://twitter.com/sailatt/status/1355492037068374016?s=20
