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108-430: [REDACTED] National League for Democracy [REDACTED] SPDC Supported by: Bombings and attacks Coup d'états Protests Anti-Muslim violence Related topics The Saffron Revolution ( Burmese : ရွှေဝါရောင်တော်လှန်ရေး ) was a series of economic and political protests and demonstrations that took place during August, September, and October 2007 in Myanmar . The protests were triggered by

216-595: A 'Saffron Revolution'. On 23 September, 150 nuns joined the protests in Yangon. On that day, some 15,000 Buddhist monks and laymen marched through the streets of Yangon in the sixth day of escalating peaceful protests against the Burmese military regime. The Alliance of All Burmese Buddhist Monks vowed to continue the protests until the Burmese military junta is deposed. On 24 September eyewitnesses reported between 30,000 and 100,000 people demonstrating in Yangon, making

324-576: A 21-member military cabinet headed by Senior General Saw Maung . He was promoted to the rank of full general and assumed the positions of vice-commander in chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces and commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Army on 18 March 1990. On 23 April 1992, Senior General Saw Maung unexpectedly resigned, citing health reasons. Than Shwe elevated himself to the rank of senior general and replaced Saw Maung as

432-498: A 23 April 2007, report in the country's official press. The announcement, which comprised a full page of the official newspaper, followed calls by human rights advocacy groups, including London-based Amnesty International , for authorities to investigate recent violent attacks on rights activists in the country. Two members of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters , Maung Maung Lay, 37, and Myint Naing, 40, were hospitalized with head injuries following attacks by more than 50 people while

540-523: A country whose people continue to suffer enormous poverty and enforced austerity. Power struggles have plagued Burma's military leadership. Than Shwe has been linked to the toppling and arrest of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in 2004, which has significantly increased his own power. The former premier, who said he supported Aung San Suu Kyi's involvement in the National Convention , was seen as

648-498: A group of 700 protesters with batons and tear gas. The police, beating their shields with batons, chased some of the monks and some 200 supporters, while others tried to remain in place near the eastern gate of the pagoda complex. Troops then sealed off the area around the pagoda, attempting to prevent the monks from making further protests. This failed to stop the marches, with up to 5,000 monks progressing through Yangon, some wearing masks in anticipation of tear gas being used. Later in

756-405: A low profile, often perceived as reserved and serious, with a reputation as a hardliner and a skilled manipulator. Some observers note that he opposes the democratization of Burma. He marks national holidays and ceremonies with messages in the state-run newspapers but rarely engages with the press. The lavish wedding of his daughter, involving diamonds and champagne, was particularly controversial in

864-579: A military-sponsored massacre. Its general secretary, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the party's vice president, U Tin Oo, were again arrested. From 2004, the government prohibited the activities of the party. In 2006, many members resigned from NLD, citing harassment and pressure from the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) and the Union Solidarity and Development Association . In October 2008, following the crackdown on

972-768: A moderate at odds with the junta's hardliners. Than Shwe is said to rely heavily on advice from his soothsayers, a style of ruling dating back to General Ne Win , a leader who once shot his mirror to avoid bad luck. In May and November 2006 he met with the United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari in the newly built capital of Naypyidaw , which had replaced Yangon in the previous year, and permitted Gambari to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi . However, Than Shwe refused to meet Gambari when he visited Burma in November 2007 and again on 10 March 2008. In early May 2008, Than Shwe refused many foreign aid workers from entering

1080-506: A new sentiment in Yangon: "People come up to me quite spontaneously and voice their opinion in a way they never did before." ... "People feel great admiration for the brave monks". The Burma Campaign UK said its sources had reported the junta ordering large numbers of maroon monastic robes and telling soldiers to shave their heads, possibly to infiltrate the monks. On 27 September, the junta security forces began raiding monasteries across

1188-771: A place in the collective memory." Some of the prominent or symbolic individuals who figured in these events included: The military junta detained eight people on Sunday, 22 April 2007, who took part in a rare demonstration in a Yangon suburb amid a growing military crackdown on protesters. A group of about ten protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans staged the protest Sunday morning in Yangon's Thingangyun township, calling for lower prices and improved health, education and better utility services. The protest ended peacefully after about 70 minutes, but plainclothes police took away eight demonstrators as some 100 onlookers watched. The protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Down with consumer prices". Some of those detained were

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1296-713: A police academy compound outside Yangon; although no independent confirmation has been made on the report. Helfen ohne Grenzen (Help without Frontiers) reported that soldiers from the 66th LID (Light Infantry Division) had turned their weapons against other government troops and possibly police in North Okkalappa township in Yangon and were defending the protesters. While soldiers from 33rd LID in Mandalay were also reported to have refused orders to take actions against protesters, other reports state many soldiers remained in their barracks. Later reports stated that soldiers from

1404-503: A political party in order to contend in 48 by-elections necessitated by the promotion of Union Solidarity and Development Party MPs who had been appointed as ministers. Following the decision, Suu Kyi held a telephone conference with Barack Obama, in which it was agreed that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would make a visit to Myanmar, a move received with caution by Burma's ally China. The visit took place on 30 November. European Union Vice President Catherine Ashton welcomed

1512-730: A postal clerk at the Meikhtila Post Office . However, his path shifted towards the military when he enlisted in the Burmese Army , joining the ninth intake of the Officers Training School, Bahtoo . After graduating from the Officer Training School , Second Lieutenant Than Shwe assumed the role of a squad leader in No. 1 Infantry Battalion on 11 July 1953. Progressing through

1620-634: A report of a letter received by Burmese exiles in Thailand, allegedly written by disgruntled military officers, expressing support for the protests and stating, "On behalf of the armed forces, we declare our support for the non-violent action of the Buddhist monks and members of the public and their peaceful expression...". The letter also announced the formation of a group called the Public Patriot Army Association. The Guardian

1728-557: A show of support for his father, Nay Shwe Thway Aung posted on his Facebook story on 26 October 2024: "Doing such things makes the people suffer... Let's think carefully," and in Burmese: "အဲ့လိုတွေလုပ်လေပြည်သူကနာကျည်းလေ.. စဉ်းစားချင့်ချိန်လုပ်ကြပါ.." This statement underscores the challenges facing those within the former ruling elite as they navigate the complexities of the current military regime. Than Shwe often performed superstitious yadaya rituals to maintain his power and followed

1836-623: A significant number of Burmese individuals, potentially reaching up to a million, were allegedly subjected to forced labor in "jungle gulags". The absence of free speech and intolerance towards dissent were notable characteristics of the government. In 2007, during the Saffron Revolution , mass demonstrations led by Buddhist monks were suppressed by security forces, resulting in casualties and detentions. Persistent rumors circulated that thousands of monks and others being rounded up and summarily executed, with their bodies reportedly dumped in

1944-515: A statement. [Mon 23 April 2007] "We seriously urge the authorities to prevent violence in the future and to guarantee the safety of every citizen." On 15 August 2007 the government removed subsidies on fuel causing a rapid and unannounced increase in prices. The government, which has a monopoly on fuel sales, raised prices from about $ 1.40 to $ 2.80 a gallon, and boosted the price of natural gas by about 500%. This increase in fuel prices led to an increase in food prices. Soon afterwards, protesters took to

2052-584: A way that the party would have had to expel these members to be allowed to run. This decision, taken in May, led to the party being officially banned. A splinter group named the National Democratic Force broke away from the NLD to contest the elections, but secured less than 3% of the vote. The election was won in a landslide by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), and

2160-424: Is chronically malnourished, government spending on health and education is among the lowest anywhere in the world, and the average income is below $ 300 a year. Living a privileged, parallel existence, Burma's military forces appear virtually a "state within a state", free from the economic insecurity that afflicts the rest of the country. Many of the high ranking army generals have become immensely rich; as witnessed in

2268-423: Is known to be a diabetic, and he is rumored to have intestinal cancer . Little else is known about his private life as he rarely makes public appearances or discloses personal information. Than Shwe flew to Singapore on 31 December 2006. Concerns about Than's health intensified after he failed to appear at an official Independence Day dinner for military leaders, officials, and diplomats on 4 January 2007. It

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2376-656: Is not supposed to kill the people" (i.e. the military isn't supposed to kill the people). The President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged Myanmar to take steps toward democracy. The Philippine President warned Myanmar that the Philippines would stop its financial help to Myanmar if opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was not released. US envoys called on China to use its influence with Myanmar. The Myanmar government attempted to dampen public awareness and communications around

2484-492: The 1990 Myanmar general election . However, the ruling military junta refused to recognise the result. On 6 May 2010, the party was declared illegal and ordered to be disbanded by the junta after refusing to register for the elections slated for November 2010 . In November 2011, the NLD announced its intention to register as a political party to contest future elections, and Myanmar's Union Election Commission approved their application for registration on 13 December 2011. In

2592-619: The 2012 by-elections , the NLD contested 44 of the 45 available seats, winning 43, with its only loss being in one seat to the SNDP . Party leader Aung San Suu Kyi won the seat of Kawhmu . In the 2015 general election , the NLD won a supermajority in both houses of the Assembly , paving the way for the country's first non-military president in 54 years. The NLD is an observer party of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats . On 21 May 2021,

2700-514: The 2015 general election but was overthrown in a coup d'état in February 2021 following another landslide election victory in 2020 . Founded on 27 September 1988, the NLD has become one of the most influential parties in Myanmar's pro- democracy movement. Aung San Suu Kyi , the former State Counsellor of Myanmar , serves as its leader. The party won a substantial parliamentary majority in

2808-624: The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). In 2001, the government permitted NLD office branches to re-open throughout Burma and freed some imprisoned members. In May 2002, NLD's general secretary, Aung San Suu Kyi, was again released from house arrest. She and other NLD members made numerous trips throughout the country and received support from the public. However, on their trip to Depayin township in May 2003, dozens of NLD members were shot and killed in

2916-736: The United Nations Security Council urged restraint from the government. There were reports that Burmese troops from central Myanmar had started to march towards Yangon. The troops were from the Central Command based in Taungoo and the South East Command. It was not clear if the troops were marching to reinforce or to challenge the troops in Yangon for shooting the Buddhist monks. Vice Senior-General Maung Aye , Than Shwe 's second-in-command and

3024-409: The rule of law , and national reconciliation. The NLD is described as liberal , democratic-liberal, liberal-conservative , and social-liberal . The NLD supports populism and protectionist economic policies. Historically, the NLD has been a social-democratic party. Aung San Suu Kyi also claimed amendments to the constitution of 2008, drafted with the input of the armed forces, such as

3132-462: The "Discipline Democracy New Constitution" was convened from 9 January 1993 to 3 September 2007, a period of more than 14 years and 8 months. Although the main opposition party, National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi , which won the multi-party democracy general election in 1990 , did not participate, the chairman of National Convention Lieutenant General Thein Sein announced that

3240-580: The 20 poorest countries in the world according to the United Nations. Many, including the United Nations have blamed the economic problems on the leadership of the military junta and the proportion of national income spent on the armed forces. In late 2006, the cost of basic commodities began rising sharply in Burma with rice, eggs, and cooking oil increasing by 30–40%. According to the UN, one in three children

3348-551: The 45 available seats at both the national and regional levels. Its main rival, the USDP also contested all available seats, losing all but one seat. During preparations for the 2015 elections , the party was criticised for discouraging Muslim candidates, a step interpreted as a desire to maintain relations with hardline Buddhist monks such as the Ma Ba Tha association. The NLD secured 85% of all available parliamentary seats during

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3456-607: The 5/96 Law, that is used to condemn those who disrupt the stability of the state. On 5 September 2007, Burmese troops forcibly broke up a peaceful demonstration in Pakokku and injured three monks. It was further reported that one monk was killed. This report however was never confirmed but quoted as a reason for the monks' protests starting on September 18. The next day, younger monks in Pakokku briefly took several government officials hostage in retaliation. They demanded an apology by

3564-613: The 88th LID. In 1981, he was elected as a member of the ruling Burma Socialist Programme Party 's Central Executive Committee during the fourth session of the Party's conference. He took on the role of commanding officer at the Southern Western Regional Military Command on 22 July 1983 and subsequently became the chairman of Irrawaddy Division Party Committee on 5 August 1983. Than Shwe was promoted to brigadier general on 16 August 1984 and assumed

3672-472: The 99th LID were being sent in to confront them. National League for Democracy The National League for Democracy ( Burmese : အမျိုးသား ဒီမိုကရေစီ အဖွဲ့ချုပ် , IPA: [ʔəmjóðá dìmòkəɹèsì ʔəpʰwḛdʑoʊʔ] ; abbr. NLD ; Burmese abbr. ဒီချုပ်) is a deregistered liberal democratic political party in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It became the country's ruling party after a landslide victory in

3780-473: The Burmese independence movement of the 1940s. She was recruited by concerned democracy advocates. The first founding chair is Brigadier General Aung Gyi and Aung San Suu Kyi is the General Secretary of the Party. In the 1990 parliamentary elections , the party took 59% of the vote and won 392 out of 492 contested seats, compared to 10 seats won by the governing National Unity Party . However,

3888-510: The Burmese leaders during his speech to the UN General Assembly and encouraged other countries to follow its lead. The Dalai Lama also gave his blessing to the monks in their bid for greater freedom and democracy. On 25 September the junta threatened demonstrators with military force and placed army trucks at Shwedagon Pagoda, the assembly point for monks leading the protests. Witnesses said 5,000 monks and laypeople marched into

3996-590: The Central Women's Committee is May Win Myint National groups: * observer *associate member **observer Than Shwe Occupying key positions, including Prime Minister of Myanmar , Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services , and head of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), Than Shwe has elicited various perspectives on his governance. In March 2011, he officially stepped down as head of state , facilitating

4104-660: The Higher Command and Staff Course at the Frunze Military Academy in the Soviet Union . During the tenure with the 77th LID, he actively participated in military operations across Karen State , Irrawaddy Delta region and Bago Hills. He was transferred to Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff (Army) as a General Staff Officer (G2) on 16 December 1969. Than Shwe

4212-522: The NLD, though the junta later reversed this decision, with spokesman Zaw Min Tun saying that the NLD will decide whether to stand in the next general election . After the junta enacted a new electoral law in January 2023 designed to favor the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the military's electoral proxy, the NLD announced it would not re-register as a political party and would not recognize

4320-536: The National League for Democracy party of planting that bomb, but experts believed at the time that the opposition was not in a position to carry out such acts amidst the tightly controlled security environment. The junta detained several members of the party in connection with the bombings that year. The NLD boycotted the general election held in November 2010 because many of its most prominent members were barred from standing. The laws were designed in such

4428-575: The Saffron Revolution, or ရွှေဝါရောင်တော်လှန်ရေး ( [sw̥èi wà jàʊɰ̃ tɔ̀ l̥àɰ̃ jéi] ). The exact number of casualties from the 2007 protests is not known, but estimates range from 13 to 31 deaths resulting from either the protests or reprisals by the government. Several hundred people were arrested or detained, many (but not all) of whom were released. In the event, Senior General Than Shwe remained in power until he retired in 2011 at age 78. The phrase "Saffron Revolution" connects

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4536-533: The Shwedagon. Civilians were forming a human shield around the monks; Reuters quotes one eyewitness: "They are marching down the streets, with the monks in the middle and ordinary people either side – they are shielding them, forming a human chain.". Vehicles mounted with loudspeakers toured central Yangon, blaring warnings of military action. "People are not to follow, encourage or take part in these marches. Action will be taken against those who violate this order,"

4644-541: The State and disrupting the ongoing National Convention." The United States condemned the arrest of these dissidents on 22 August with the State Department's acting spokesman stating "The United States calls for the immediate release of these activists and for an end of the regime's blatant attempt to intimidate and silence those who are engaged in peaceful promotion of democracy and human rights in Burma...We call on

4752-451: The UEC dissolved the NLD for failing to register, a decision which the NLD rejected as illegitimate. The NLD was formed in the aftermath of the 8888 Uprising , a series of protests in favour of democracy which took place in 1990 and ended when the military again took control of the country in a coup. It formed under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of Aung San , a pivotal figure in

4860-416: The advice of astrologers and shamans. A seated jade Buddha statue that Than Shwe had carved in his image was erected in 1999 at the southern entrance of Shwedagon pagoda . It is on a list of unorthodox statues drawn up by the religious affairs ministry. Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and Chinese president Xi Jinping are among those who have paid respects at the statue during visits to Yangon. As

4968-556: The aftermath of the Saffron Revolution a bomb exploded in the Htan Chauk Pin quarter of the Shwepyitha Township of Yangon , near the office of the military junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association killing one. The victim was identified as Thet Oo Win, a former Buddhist monk who participated in the Saffron Revolution, was killed while improvising the bomb at his own residence. The junta blamed

5076-497: The armed forces gave the protesters 10 minutes to disperse or face extreme action. The radio station Democratic Voice of Burma reported that nine civilians, including Japanese photographer Kenji Nagai , had been shot and killed by the armed forces. Nagai was working for APF Tsushin, a media company based in Tokyo. The Japanese embassy in Myanmar later confirmed Nagai's death. Amateur video showing Nagai apparently being deliberately shot

5184-732: The broadcasts said, invoking a law allowing the use of military force to break up illegal protests. Reuters reported that the detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi had been moved to the Insein Prison on Sunday, a day after she appeared in front of her house to greet marching monks. Effective 26 September Myanmar's junta imposed dusk-till-dawn curfews on the country's two largest cities of Yangon and Mandalay. Additionally, gatherings of more than five people were prohibited. Meanwhile, truckloads of armed soldiers and riot police were sent into Yangon. On 26 September, pro-democracy figure Win Naing

5292-485: The capital chanted the " Myitta Thote " (the Buddha's words on loving kindness) marching through a barricade on the street in front of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi . Although still under house arrest, Suu Kyi made a brief public appearance at the gate of her residence to accept the blessings of the Buddhist monks. In Mandalay, estimated to have 200 monasteries, monks were said to have told people not to join

5400-435: The commander in chief of the army, "reportedly disagreed with the violent approach taken against protesters", and was scheduled to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi , who was reportedly taken to Yemon Military Camp on the outskirts of Yangon. Another report claimed Maung Aye had staged a coup against Than Shwe, that his troops were guarding Aung San Suu Kyi's home, and that diplomatic sources said that Aung San Suu Kyi had been moved to

5508-579: The country after the Burmese authorities bowed to international pressure. He was sent to Myanmar after the Security Council convened in New York over the crisis to call for restraint. On 28 September, Yangon was emptier than the previous days, as people were afraid of violent reprisals from the army, though many still took to the streets chanting such phrases as "wrongdoers who kill monks" as well as "the military science given by general Aung San

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5616-575: The country in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis (2 May 2008). This led to many criticisms from the UN as well as the international community. In early July 2009, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visited Burma and held talks with Senior General Than Shwe. The military junta rejected UN Secretary General's request to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi . Than Shwe also commented on the upcoming 2010 Burmese election , saying that by

5724-857: The country to quell the protests, arresting at least 200 monks in Yangon and 500 more in the northeast. Simultaneously, the army raided four other monasteries in parts of Yangon and arrested several monks. Sources confirmed that the army had raided the six-storied Religious Science Monastery in Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, Moe Kaung Monastery in Yan Kin township, Maggin Monastery in Thingankyun township, and Thein Phyu monastery in Thein Phyu area and arrested several monks. An anonymous diplomat also said

5832-465: The creation of the "Constitution" had been accomplished. Than Shwe has continued the suppression of the free press in Burma, and has overseen the detention of journalists who oppose his regime. While he oversaw the release of Aung San Suu Kyi during the late 1990s, he also oversaw her return to detention in 2003. Despite his relaxation of some restrictions on Burma's economy, his economic policies have been often criticized as ill-planned. He maintains

5940-560: The day there were reports of at least three Buddhist monks and one woman confirmed killed in the firing by security forces in Yangon when thousands of people led by Buddhist monks continued their protest against the military junta. A doctor in Yangon's general hospital confirmed that three injured monks had been admitted to the hospital after they were beaten up severely by the riot police at Shwedagon pagoda. The Swedish National Radio correspondent in Yangon reported that more than 300 people, many of whom were monks, were detained. He also reported

6048-650: The deadline of 17 September but the military refused to apologise. This sparked protests involving increasing numbers of monks in conjunction with the withdrawal of religious services for the military. Their role in the protests was significant due to the reverence paid to them by the civilian population and the military. After these events, protests began spreading across Myanmar, including Yangon (also known as Rangoon ), Sittwe , Pakokku and Mandalay . On 22 September around two thousand monks marched through Yangon and ten thousand through Mandalay , with other demonstrations in five townships across Myanmar. Those marching through

6156-485: The decades-long democratic struggle against military dictatorship in the country. The latter closely resembles a green peafowl , as it has a tufted crest. The NLD party symbol is adopted from the Myanmar (Burmese) Student Union flag. This student union organised since the uprising against British colonial rule in Burma, years before the independence of Burma in 1948, had played a major political role in Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi's late father Bogyoke Aung San (General Aung San)

6264-462: The decision of the national military government to remove subsidies on the sales prices of fuel. The national government is the only supplier of fuels and the removal of the price subsidy immediately caused diesel and petrol prices to increase by 66–100% and the price of compressed natural gas for buses to increase 500% in less than a week. The various protests were led by students, political activists, including women, and Buddhist monks and took

6372-490: The eight who also took part in an earlier demonstration in late February in downtown Yangon, was beaten by a mob, according to sources at the scene of the protest. Reports from opposition activists emerged saying that authorities have directed the police and other government proxy groups to deal harshly with any sign of unrest in Yangon. "This proves that there is no rule of law [in Burma]," the 88 Generation Students group said in

6480-520: The election. Ko Ni , a legal advisor to the party and a Muslim, was assassinated in January 2017. The party was criticised by international media outlets for its lack of response to renewed military-led violence against the Rohingya beginning in 2016, as well as for "doing little to address the country’s weak rule of law, corrupt judiciary, or impunity for security force abuses" with the power they had (although security institutions remain dominated by

6588-432: The end of the 2011 fiscal year, when he would transfer his position to the elected president. The rumor was proven false as the Burmese state media referred to him as " Senior General " three days later. Than Shwe's leadership has faced criticism for violence and human rights abuses. According to Amnesty International , human rights violation in Myanmar were described as "widespread and systematic." Reports suggested that

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6696-450: The end of the march approximately 1,000 monks arrived to greet Aung San Suu Kyi 's home but were denied access by police. They chanted prayers before peacefully moving off. Later that day, the military junta's Minister for Religion, Brigadier General Thura Myint Maung , warned the Buddhist monks leading the protests not to go beyond their "rules and regulations". Meanwhile, President George W. Bush introduced unilateral sanctions against

6804-529: The evening, the Burmese state television reported that nine people had been killed in a force crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Yangon. It added that eleven demonstrators and 31 soldiers had been injured. At the end of the day, it was reported that the junta had formed new regiments to crack down on protesters. According to sources close to the military, Senior General Than Shwe took direct command after several commanders refused to use force to crack down on protesters. The newspaper The Guardian published

6912-441: The event the largest Burmese anti-government protest in twenty years. The BBC reported that two locally well-known actors, comedian Zargana and film star Kyaw Thu , went to Yangon's golden Shwedagon Pagoda early on Monday to offer food and water to the monks before they started their march. The marches occurred simultaneously in at least 25 cities across Myanmar, with columns of monks stretching up to 1-kilometre (0.62 mi). At

7020-430: The first time it has been associated with a particular protest as it was unfolding, and the international press seized upon the term in reporting on the Burmese protests. However, the idea that the monkhood is connected to specifically Burmese ideas about revolution has been argued by British academic Gustaaf Houtman, partly in critique of an alternative view held by a political scientist, that Gen. Ne Win 's 1962 revolution

7128-433: The following day. On 4 February 70 NLD MPs took an oath of office , in clear defiance of the coup. In the succeeding weeks, the military junta continued arresting hundreds of NLD members, most of whom were arrested under the pretext of participating in anti-coup protests. As of March 2023 , 1,232 NLD members have been jailed (including 80 MP-elects), while at least 84 NLD members have died in custody. The NLD rejected

7236-461: The form of a campaign of nonviolent resistance , sometimes also called civil resistance . In response to the protests, dozens of protesters were arrested or detained. Starting in September 2007 the protests were led by thousands of Buddhist monks , and those protests were allowed to proceed until a renewed government crackdown in late September 2007. Some news reports referred to the protests as

7344-618: The head of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces . Than Shwe relaxed some state control over the economy, and was a supporter of Burma's participation in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). He also oversaw a large crackdown on corruption, which saw the sackings of a number of cabinet ministers and regional commanders in 1997. The convention for

7452-609: The increase in fuel prices, citizens protested in demonstrations beginning on 19 August. In response to the protests, the government began arresting and beating demonstrators. The government arrested 13 prominent Burmese dissidents including Min Ko Naing , Ko Ko Gyi , Min Zeya , Ko Jimmy , Pyone Cho , Arnt Bwe Kyaw and Ko Mya Aye . The government newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported that these individual's actions caused civil unrest that "was aimed at undermining peace and security of

7560-657: The jungle. In 1998 Than Shwe ordered the execution of 59 civilians living on Christie Island . The local commander initially hesitated, expressing concerns about the issuing commander's alleged intoxication, but was informed that the instruction came from "Aba Gyi" or "Great Father"—a term used to refer to Senior General Than Shwe. Than Shwe's wife, Kyaing Kyaing , is of Chinese and Pa'O descent . They have five daughters, Aye Aye Thit Shwe, Dewa Shwe, Khin Pyone Shwe, Kyi Kyi Shwe, and Thandar Shwe, and three sons, Kyaing San Shwe, Thant Zaw Shwe and Htun Naing Shwe. Than Shwe

7668-675: The junta claimed soldiers now had the monks "under control" and "would now turn their attention to civilian protesters". Up to 50,000 protesters took to the streets in Yangon. Protesters bleeding from beatings by security forces were seen scattering and fleeing in Sule. Security forces were reported to be preparing to use insect spray to crack down on protesters. Eyewitnesses said fire engines and insect spray carrier trucks were seen near Theingyi market in downtown Yangon. The BBC received unconfirmed reports that fire crews were ordered to fill their machines with insecticide. According to several news media,

7776-417: The junta-controlled Union Election Commission (UEC) announced plans to permanently dissolve the NLD, though the junta later temporarily reversed this decision. In January 2023, the junta enacted a new electoral law designed to favor the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the military's electoral proxy, leading the NLD to announce that it would not re-register as a political party. On 28 March 2023,

7884-426: The lavish and seemingly ostentatious reception. After days of Saffron Revolution , there were unconfirmed reports that Than Shwe's wife and pets fled the country on 27 September 2007, possibly to Laos . In January 2009, Than Shwe was talked into buying one of the world's most popular football clubs, Manchester United , for $ 1 billion by his favourite grandson Nay Shwe Thway Aung . However, he reportedly abandoned

7992-403: The mandatory granting of 25% of seats in parliament to appointed military representatives, are undemocratic. The party flag features the peacock , a prominent symbol of Myanmar. The dancing peacock (the peacock in courtship or in display of its feathers) was frequently featured in Burmese monarchic flags as well as other nationalist symbols in the country. The fighting peacock is associated with

8100-589: The military claimed the vote was fraudulent, citing 8.6 million irregularities in voter lists. On 28 January 2021, the Union Election Commission rejected the military's fraud allegations, unable to corroborate the military's claims. During the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état on 1 February, the military quickly mobilised to key NLD leaders, including Suu Kyi, President Win Nyunt , and 400 MP-elects, who were all in Naypyidaw to be sworn into office

8208-419: The military's legal basis for the staging a coup. Post-coup, NLD offices were occupied and raided by police authorities, starting on 2 February. Documents, computers and laptops were forcibly seized, and the NLD called these raids unlawful. On 9 February, police raided the NLD headquarters in Yangon. On 21 May 2021, the junta-controlled Union Election Commission (UEC) announced plans to permanently dissolve

8316-421: The military). The NLD won the 2020 Myanmar general election by a larger margin than in 2015, securing the mandate to form a new government. By contrast, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party lost 8 additional seats in both chambers of the national legislature. Domestic and international election observers deemed the election results credible, noting no major irregularities. Nonetheless,

8424-456: The military’s response to civil resistance after the 2021 coup . The incident reflects the ongoing tensions within Myanmar’s military elite and raises questions about the enduring influence of Than Shwe's legacy. Despite his past ties to the current leadership, Nay Soe Maung's situation highlights that familial connections do not guarantee protection in the current political landscape. In

8532-401: The people of Burma even further, almost certainly prompting massive civil unrest and perhaps violence. However, the longer the junta allowed the protests to continue, the weaker the regime could look. The danger is that eventually the military government will be forced to act rashly and doing so will provoke the citizenry even more. Some international news agencies are referring to the uprising as

8640-472: The plan, because such an investment only months after nearly 150,000 people were killed by Cyclone Nargis was deemed inappropriate. In August 2021, Than Shwe and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 . They have been warded at the 1,000-bed military-owned hospital in Thaik Chaung. On 23 October 2024, a significant event unfolded when Nay Soe Maung , Than Shwe's son-in-law married to Kyi Kyi Shwe,

8748-407: The position of vice chief of staff (Army) on 4 November 1985. Promoted to major general on 4 November 1986 and to lieutenant general on 4 November 1987, he assumed the position of Deputy Minister of Defence on 27 July 1988. After the military coup on 18 September 1988, following the democracy uprising of 1988 , Than Shwe became vice-chairman of State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC),

8856-510: The possibility of "fair and transparent" elections in Burma, and said that the EU would be reviewing its foreign policy towards the country. The NLD contested the all available seats during the 2012 Myanmar by-elections . The election was marred with skepticism over whether the results would be legitimate, and the NLD reported issues with campaign conduct and other irregularities in the election's lead-up. NLD candidates, including Suu Kyi, won 43 of

8964-422: The protests against Myanmar's military dictatorship to the saffron -coloured robes which are widely associated with Buddhist monks, who were at the forefront of the demonstrations. The robes of Burmese monks are similar to the color of whole saffron. While similar terms for protests had been used elsewhere for the process of gradual or peaceful revolution in other nations (see colour revolution ), this seems to be

9072-422: The protests by cutting Internet access. Troops specifically targeted those caught carrying cameras and beat them. On 28 September, after the killing of Japanese photographer Kenji Nagai by the junta, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said he regretted the killing and demanded a full explanation of his death. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was urged to join the push for a UN mission to Myanmar, while

9180-406: The protests, which ended peacefully. As of 22 September 2007, the Buddhist monks were reported to have withdrawn spiritual services from all military personnel in a symbolic move that was seen as very powerful in such a deeply religious country as Burma. The military rulers seemed at a loss as to how to deal with the demonstrations by the monks as using violence against monks would incense and enrage

9288-464: The psychological warfare officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade on 4 December 1961. On 18 December 1963, he was transferred to Central Political College as an instructor. He was then posted to 101 Light Infantry Battalion as a temporary company commander for the battalion headquarters unit. Promoted to the rank of major , Than Shwe joined the 77th (LID) Light Infantry Division on 27 January 1969. Between 1969 and 1971, he successfully completed

9396-624: The ranks, he was promoted to platoon commander in 1955 with the rank of lieutenant . On 21 February 1957, he advanced to the position of company commander within the same battalion, holding the rank of captain . He demonstrated early leadership and strategic capabilities during military operations in Karen State , Southern Shan State, and the Eastern Thanlwin area conducted by No. 1 Infantry Battalion. On 26 February 1958, Than Shwe's career took an international turn as he

9504-425: The regime to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the leaders of Burma's democracy movement and ethnic minority groups and to make tangible steps toward a transition to civilian democratic rule." On 21–22 August 2007, participants of the protests on 19 August were detained by local authorities. Their houses were searched without a warrant. These demonstrators could have been charged with up to one year in prison; under

9612-445: The results of any election held by the junta. On 28 March 2023, the UEC dissolved the NLD, which, in turn, challenged the decision saying that the UEC has no legitimacy as the junta itself "is by no means legal". The party advocates a non-violent movement towards multi-party democracy in Myanmar, which was under military rule from 1962 to 2011. The party also claims to support human rights (including broad-based freedom of speech ),

9720-474: The ruling military junta (formerly SLORC , later known as the State Peace and Development Council or SPDC) did not let the party form a government. Soon after the election, the party was repressed and in 1996 Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest . This was her status for 16 of the following 21 years until her release on 13 November 2010. A number of senior NLD members escaped arrest, however, and formed

9828-572: The same protesters who took part in a downtown Yangon protest on 22 February 2007. That protest was one of the first such demonstrations in recent years to challenge the junta's economic mismanagement rather than its legal right to rule. The protesters detained in the February rally had said they were released after signing an acknowledgment of police orders that they should not hold any future public demonstrations without first obtaining official permission. The military government stated its intention to crack down on these human rights activists, according to

9936-480: The streets to protest the current conditions. While the International Monetary Fund and World Bank had been recommending the lifting of subsidies for some time to allow for a free market to determine fuel prices, these organisations did not recommend removing all of the subsidies unannounced. The fuel is sold by Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, a state-owned fuel company. In response to

10044-404: The time the UN chief next visits Burma, "I will be an ordinary citizen, a lay person, and my colleagues will too because it will be a civilian government." On 27 August 2010, rumours surfaced that Than Shwe and his deputy, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye , along with six other top military officers, had resigned their military posts, and that he was expected to remain head of state until at least

10152-767: The transition to his chosen successor, Thein Sein . As the head of the Armed Forces , he was succeeded by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing . Than Shwe continues to wield significant influence within the military. Than Shwe was born on 2 February 1933, in Minzu village, near Kyaukse , British Burma (now Myanmar ), to his parents, Lay Myint and Seinn Yin. His early education led him to Government High School in Kyaukse , where he completed his studies in 1949. Following his education, he began his career as

10260-639: The two were working in Hinthada township, Irrawaddy Division in mid-April. On Sunday, 22 April 2007, eight people were arrested by plainclothes police, members of the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Association, and the Pyithu Swan Arr Shin (a paramilitary group) while demonstrating peacefully in a Yangon suburb. The eight protesters were calling for lower commodity prices, better health care and improved utility services. Htin Kyaw, 44, one of

10368-448: The video of the wedding of senior general Than Shwe 's daughter, who is shown wearing diamonds worth many millions of dollars. According to the BBC, on 22 February 2007, a small group of individuals protested the current state of consumer prices in the country. While the protest was small and careful not to be seen as directed at the military junta, officials jailed nine of the protesters. It

10476-692: Was aired on Japanese television. Later footage also showed a Burmese soldier taking Nagai's video camera. Soldiers fired both into the air and directly at students marching toward a high school in Tamwe township in Yangon. Unconfirmed eyewitness reports say 100 people were shot. Up to 300 of the students outside were arrested after a military truck rammed into the crowd. Some 50,000 protesters are reported to have demonstrated peacefully in Akyab while soldiers were stationed at seven key places, including government buildings, Lawkanada temple, and Akyi Tong Kong temple. In

10584-464: Was arrested at his home in Yangon around 2:30 a.m. after being seen providing food and water to the protesting monks but was released from jail after one night, according to an anonymous friend and Western diplomat. He had been arrested on 8 March for holding a press conference with Burmese demonstrators against the national economic hardships. Prominent Burmese comedian Zargana was also arrested overnight. Troops barricaded Shwedagon Pagoda and attacked

10692-558: Was assigned to the newly established Directorate of Education and Psychological warfare within the War Office. Between April 1958 and November 1958, he underwent specialized army officers' training in the Soviet Union , conducted by the KGB . Subsequently, on 9 December 1961, he assumed the role of a company commander in No. 1 Psychological Warfare Battalion under Northern Regional Military Command on 9 December 1961. He later became

10800-435: Was described by U.S. President Barack Obama as "stolen". Discussions were held between Suu Kyi and the Burmese government during 2011, which led to a number of official gestures to meet her demands. In October, around a tenth of Myanmar's political prisoners were freed in an amnesty and trade unions were legalised. On 18 November 2011, following a meeting of its leaders, the NLD announced its intention to re-register as

10908-512: Was detained by Myanmar 's current military government in Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay . A medical doctor and former military officer, Nay Soe Maung is also the father of Nay Shwe Thway Aung , Than Shwe's grandson. The authorities cited concerns over his social media activities, claiming they disrupted public order and incited unrest. This arrest has drawn attention, particularly given Nay Soe Maung's previous criticisms of

11016-532: Was nicknamed 'the bulldog' in the military. He assumed the role of a No. 1 Infantry Battalion on 23 August 1971 and earned a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel on 7 September 1972. As the commanding officer of No. 1 Infantry Battalion, he actively participated in offensive operations against various insurgents carried out by the 88th Light Infantry Division (LID) in the Bhamo region, Northern Shan State , Southern Shan State, and Eastern Shan State. Than Shwe

11124-535: Was one of the former presidents of the Rangoon University Student Union. The party emblem is a traditional bamboo hat ( ခမောက် ). NLD Women's Committee ( Burmese : အမျိုးသားဒီမိုကရေစီအဖွဲ့ချုပ် အမျိုးသမီး ကော်မတီ ) is the committee of NLD women and provided legal and social assistance to women in need. Women's Work Committees have been formed at all administrative levels, including region and state, ward, and village. The chairman of

11232-577: Was the first street protest seen in Rangoon for at least a decade. According to Jeff Kingston, in his article "Burma's Despair" stated that "Despair and fear are immobilizing a people who yearn for a better life and have fruitlessly risked much for a better government." This shows how afraid the Burmese were to take action in 2007. Not only that but Kingston also states that "The earlier brutal crackdown of 1988-when at least three thousand protesters were killed and thousands more imprisoned and tortured-has burned

11340-554: Was the first time since he took power in 1992 that Shwe did not host the annual dinner. Than Shwe had checked out of the Singapore General Hospital , where he had been receiving treatment, and returned to Burma two weeks later. In 2006, a home video footage of the wedding of Than Shwe's daughter, Thandar Shwe, was leaked on the Internet, which sparked controversy and criticism from Burmese and foreign media for

11448-471: Was the only successful revolution in Burma. Burmese concepts of "revolution", however, have a much longer history and are also employed in many but not all monastic ordinations. The military government of Burma was called the State Peace and Development Council or the "SPDC" from 1988 to 2011. Prior to the 2007 summer protests, there had been growing unease in the population regarding the economic situation due to stagnant economic growth and its ranking among

11556-710: Was then transferred back to the Operations Planning Department within the Office of Chief of Staff (ARMY) as a General Staff Officer (G1) on 4 August 1975. On 26 March 1977, he attained the rank of a colonel and assumed the position of deputy commander of the 88th LID Light Infantry Division on 2 May 1978. In March 1980, Than Shwe became commanding officer of the 88th LID. He oversaw various operations, including Operation Ye Naing Aung, Operation Nay Min Yang, and Operation Min Yan Aung, carried out by

11664-468: Was unable to confirm the authenticity of the letter itself before the story was published. There were unconfirmed reports that Than Shwe's family fled the country. A chartered Air Bagan flight carrying eight passengers landed in Vientiane , Laos, at 6 p.m. (local time). Air Bagan is owned by Than Shwe's ally Tay Za. The United Nations' special envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari , was allowed into

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