A devastating earthquake exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, providing opportunities for the military junta to consolidate power.
On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread devastation and resulting in over 3,100 fatalities, injuring approximately 4,000 individuals, and leaving several hundred others unaccounted for.
The epicentre of the quake was located in Sagaing, an area known for its resistance against the ruling junta and previous military offensives characterized by brutal tactics.
In the aftermath of the disaster, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander of Myanmar’s military junta, is leveraging the situation to project an image of leadership amid crisis.
The junta, which has faced international isolation following its coup in February 2021, is experiencing a temporary reprieve from ongoing civil unrest as many of its adversaries are now focused on addressing the humanitarian fallout from the earthquake.
Prior to the quake, the military faced significant setbacks in its conflict with various armed resistance groups.
As the military's capacity to sustain its campaigns declined, reliance on forced conscription and airstrikes increased.
The earthquake's timing has inadvertently provided the junta with an opportunity to secure its authority at a moment when its adversaries, including rebel groups and local populations, are grappling with the immediate consequences of the disaster.
Internationally, the response to the earthquake has drawn varied reactions.
Japan's disaster relief efforts were initiated with a delay, as a 32-member emergency response team departed from Tokyo days after the quake, arriving in Myanmar nearly five days later.
This timing has faced criticism domestically, with Japanese media highlighting that aid from China and Russia, both of which have robust diplomatic ties with Myanmar, reached the country sooner.
The Japanese team, comprising medical personnel and essential support staff, encountered delays due to a more complex decision-making process within Japan's government, as indicated by officials familiar with the situation.
The Japanese media has noted the strategic implications of the timing of international responses, commenting on Japan's efforts to catch up to the swift actions taken by China and Russia.
As the humanitarian situation evolves, the junta, which has been subject to condemnation from various international entities, may seek to use the disaster response as a means to improve its standing both domestically and abroad.
The epicentre of the quake was located in Sagaing, an area known for its resistance against the ruling junta and previous military offensives characterized by brutal tactics.
In the aftermath of the disaster, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander of Myanmar’s military junta, is leveraging the situation to project an image of leadership amid crisis.
The junta, which has faced international isolation following its coup in February 2021, is experiencing a temporary reprieve from ongoing civil unrest as many of its adversaries are now focused on addressing the humanitarian fallout from the earthquake.
Prior to the quake, the military faced significant setbacks in its conflict with various armed resistance groups.
As the military's capacity to sustain its campaigns declined, reliance on forced conscription and airstrikes increased.
The earthquake's timing has inadvertently provided the junta with an opportunity to secure its authority at a moment when its adversaries, including rebel groups and local populations, are grappling with the immediate consequences of the disaster.
Internationally, the response to the earthquake has drawn varied reactions.
Japan's disaster relief efforts were initiated with a delay, as a 32-member emergency response team departed from Tokyo days after the quake, arriving in Myanmar nearly five days later.
This timing has faced criticism domestically, with Japanese media highlighting that aid from China and Russia, both of which have robust diplomatic ties with Myanmar, reached the country sooner.
The Japanese team, comprising medical personnel and essential support staff, encountered delays due to a more complex decision-making process within Japan's government, as indicated by officials familiar with the situation.
The Japanese media has noted the strategic implications of the timing of international responses, commenting on Japan's efforts to catch up to the swift actions taken by China and Russia.
As the humanitarian situation evolves, the junta, which has been subject to condemnation from various international entities, may seek to use the disaster response as a means to improve its standing both domestically and abroad.
