Soldiers stand guard along a blockaded road near Myanmar’s Parliament in Naypyidaw on February 2, 2021, as Myanmar’s generals appeared in firm control a day after a surgical coup that saw democracy heroine Aung San Suu Kyi detained. (Photo by STR / AFP)
Soldiers stand guard along a blockaded road near Myanmar’s Parliament in Naypyidaw on February 2, 2021, as Myanmar’s generals appeared in firm control a day after a surgical coup that saw democracy heroine Aung San Suu Kyi detained. (Photo by STR / AFP)
The ongoing military coup in Myanmar has left onlookers stunned, as those within the borders of the troubled Asian nation have been left to watch their government get overthrown – just three months after it was elected in a landslide. Now, with a diplomatic crisis brewing, South Africa has nailed its colours to the mast through DIRCO’s latest statement.
Latest updates from the Myanmar coup
The department is wholly critical of the developments reported so far this week, slamming the coup as ‘undemocratic’. DIRCO says that South Africa’s official line is to back the ruling National League for Democracy, over Myanmar’s military:
“These developments undermine democratic reforms undertaken in Myanmar, following the general elections held on 8 November 2020, and we call upon the military to respect the rule of law.”
“South Africa firmly believes that political differences should be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue. South Africa will continue to support the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights, and rule of law.”
DIRCO statement
South Africa will continue to support the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights and rule of law.
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) February 1, 2021
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
Why is a coup happening in Myanmar?
The party of Myanmar’s toppled leader Aung San Suu Kyi demanded her immediate release Tuesday, after a military coup that triggered international condemnation and sanctions threats from the new US president.
Armed troops patrolled the capital, Naypyidaw, where Suu Kyi and other National League for Democracy party leaders were detained in pre-dawn raids on Monday – just ahead of the scheduled resumption of parliament. The military justified its seizure of power by alleging widespread fraud in elections held three months ago that the NLD won in a landslide.
Were the elections rigged?
The NLD won more than 80% of the vote in November, increasing its support from the 2015 elections. These were only the second polls held in Myanmar since military rule came to an end in 2011. A decade later, it’s seemingly back in play – and the armed forces say they will hold power under a state of emergency for 12 months, with fresh elections to follow.
Already, there are clear divides emerging throughout the international response: US President Joe Biden led the chorus of global outrage, calling for a quick restoration of democracy and warning that Washington could reimpose sanctions. China’s response was less emphatic, with the official Xinhua news agency describing the coup as a “cabinet reshuffle”.
