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 Clay Pot Against the Iron Pot
Already 737 dead and 3000 arrests
One wonders where the Burmese resistance fighters still find this astonishing energy that drives them every day! Because not only do the daily demonstrations continue, but they now take place day and night.
However, the junta's atrocities continue. The military seems determined to intensify its 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).
While in minority territories, there are increasingly plans for coups supported by ethnic armies, everywhere else it is still non-violent resistance that prevails.
For ethics, but also for 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 setting in motion for a generalized civil war...
A young resistance fighter 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 seized the country, Myanmar is on the brink of economic collapse. The price of rice, a staple food for the Burmese, has been rising in major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. Most businesses have closed, either because their staff are on strike or because they have run out of supplies. Workers in the railways, energy, health and education sectors also have no income and are, for the most part, exhausted by their meager savings.
Thousands of women and men - most of them from the most disadvantaged sections of the rural population - have returned to their rural areas with empty pockets, now without jobs or income.
Alone in the world, mobilization and mutual aid are underway
The responses from all democratic countries are unanimous and there is widespread indignation, but few truly coercive actions are being taken. Nothing seems to be on the horizon given the geopolitical complexity.
To overcome the despair and growing precariousness whose end is unpredictable, the resistance movement organizes, on a large scale and in many cities and rural areas, a very important network of mutual aid. Two to three times a week, a solidarity market is held in a place in the city or village where everyone can come and stock up for free while others bring what they have and can do without.
In some neighborhoods in Myanmar, small carts and tricycles filled with food have been built and circulate every day through the streets and alleys.
The young people push them, shouting: "If you need, take! If you can, give!"
How can we help?
We help them develop their business, so that it becomes sustainable. Since sales of their products are almost impossible in Myanmar, we have undertaken 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, as colorful and joyful as ever. 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 courageous. They have returned to work despite the uncertainties and fear. Their goal is to continue earning a living and stay safe.
Like many expatriates, I was forced to return to France while waiting for the situation to become clearer.
Sophie de La Bouillerie, volunteer for YounSone
Link to source: https://www.younsone.com/post/le-peuple-contre-l-arm%C3%A9e
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