The team in Myanmar/Burma is trying to resist courageously and volunteers on site and in France are actively supporting them. An update on the current situation.
The street against the army: The earthen pot against the iron pot
Already 737 dead and 3000 arrests
We wonder where the Burmese resistance fighters still find this amazing energy that drives them every day! Because not only do the daily demonstrations continue, but they are now taking place day and night.
However, the atrocities of the junta continue. The military seem determined to intensify their ruthless policy of violence against the population, using military-style weapons indiscriminately (massacre of at least 82 civilians in Bago from Friday to Saturday April 10).
If, in the territories of the minorities, one envisages more and more violent attacks supported by the ethnic armies, everywhere else it is still and always the non-violent resistance which prevails.
By ethics, but also by realism, a « military » victory against the 500,000 over-equipped men of the Tatmadaw (the Burmese army) seems terribly suicidal. The spiral of violence nevertheless seems to be set in motion for a generalized civil war…
A young resistant said: « How can we compete with their weapons? By fighting with our intelligence ».
The people on their knees, the economy suffocated
According to the World Bank, two and a half months after the junta took over the country, Myanmar is on the verge of economic collapse. The price of rice – the Burmese staple food – continues to rise in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. Most businesses are shut down, either because their staff are on strike or because they are no longer supplied. Employees of the railways, the energy sector, health and national education also have no income and are, for the most part, at the end of their meager savings.
These are thousands of women and men – mostly from the most disadvantaged strata of rural areas – who have returned to their countryside with empty pockets, now unemployed and without income.
Alone in the world, a mobilization and mutual aid is committed
Responses from all democratic countries are unanimous and there is widespread indignation, but few truly coercive actions are taken. Nothing seems to be on the horizon given the geopolitical complexity.
To overcome the despair and growing precariousness, the end of which is unpredictable, the resistance movement is organizing, on a large scale and in many towns and rural areas, a very important network of mutual aid. Two to three times a week, in a place in the town or village, a solidarity market is held where everyone can come and stock up for free while others bring what they have and which they can do without. .
In some parts of Myanmar, small carts and tricycles filled with food have been built and are circulating in the streets and alleys every day.
Young people push them, shouting: « If you need, take! If you can, give! »
How can we help?
We help them to develop their activity, so that it becomes sustainable. Sales of their products being almost impossible in Myanmar, we set out to accelerate sales in France.
In a few days, we will introduce you to the new spring/summer 2021 collection. A collection that is particularly close to our hearts, always so colorful and joyful. This season, our collection will carry even stronger messages of freedom, hope, love and solidarity.
In the meantime, we can keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
We can also show our support by making a tax-deductible donation (with the possibility of receiving a YounSone item in return).
For more information or donation details, you can contact Yvonne Altorfer at the following email address myyousone@gmail.com .
MoeMoe, Maran, Cecilia and Julia remain determined and brave. They returned to work despite the uncertainties and fear. Their goal is to continue to earn a living and stay safe.
Like many expatriates, I was forced to return to France until the situation clarified.
Sophie de La Bouillerie, volunteer for YounSone
Source link: https://www.younsone.com/post/le-peuple-contre-l-arm %C3% A9e
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