“For three years now, the cries of pain and the noise of weapons have replaced the smiles that used to characterise the people of Myanmar.” These were the words of Pope Francis during his Angelus address on 28 January. He echoed the plea of Myanmar bishops, urging that “weapons of destruction be transformed into instruments for the growth of humanity and justice” and calling for the facilitation of humanitarian aid. His Holiness implored all parties involved to engage in dialogue and embrace understanding towards fraternal reconciliation in Myanmar.
On 1 February, Myanmar marked the third anniversary of the coup d’état, where power was forcibly seized from a democratically elected government by the military junta in 2021. Since then, countless lives have been lost, displacement numbers have surged, and the anguished cries of pain have echoed endlessly throughout the nation. Both young and old are forced to take up arms in the struggle for freedom.
Consequently, Myanmar has been engulfed in a severe political, economic, and humanitarian crisis, with reports painting a grim picture: nearly 3,000 lives lost, approximately 17,000 individuals detained, and more than 1.5 million people forced into displacement. Despite international outcry and numerous appeals from different news agencies, calls for peace and respect for democracy and human rights have fallen on deaf ears as the junta continues its assault, inflicting harm and claiming the lives of innocent civilians.
While several political observers and social activists are optimistic about future elections, predictions suggest that the violence is unlikely to abate in 2024. Collaboration and assistance from neighbouring countries are crucial, yet progress on this front has been slow. Unfortunately, global attention has been diverted to other crises—between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and the political tension developing between the Biden administration in Jordan and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah—leaving Myanmar’s plight overlooked and underserved.
However complex the crisis in Myanmar may seem from an outsider’s perspective, the stark reality is that innocent lives continue to be lost, and the futures of many, especially the children, hang in the balance. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and concerted international action is needed to address the ongoing suffering in Myanmar.
Being part of Asia, it is our moral obligation to support and endorse assistance to our brethren in Myanmar. The least we can do is be sensitive and conscious of the continuous cruelties of the junta. It is also our ethical duty to acknowledge that, to a certain extent, we too are accountable for what is done by them.
As neighbours to Myanmar, we are reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke (10:29–37). In this parable, Jesus teaches us that our neighbour is anyone around us, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or socio-economic background. Whether the situation in Myanmar has affected us, our responses to the worrying situation can be understood in five categories, as proposed by Brazilian writer, theologian, and philosopher, Leonardo Boff, in his book Crise: Oportunidade de Crecimento (Crisis: Opportunity for Growth).
According to Boff, sympathisers and onlookers of a cause may fall into five distinct groups:
- Escatologiadores (Catastrophists): This group perceives any crisis as solely deleterious and destructive, believing any crisis should be avoided at all costs. They prefer to be passive bystanders, unwilling to disrupt their own lives or confront the harsh realities faced by others. Despite witnessing the violence and suffering in Myanmar, they choose not to act, prioritising personal comfort over collective well-being.
- Arcaizantes (Nostalgics or admirers of the past): Individuals in this group long for the glorious past, idealising it as a time of perfection and order. Instead of confronting pressing challenges, they romanticise the past, refusing to engage in the complexities of the current situation. While they see the brutal conditions in Myanmar and hope for a return to a more peaceful and harmonious society, their reluctance to address the present crisis hinders meaningful progress.
- Futuristas (Prospectivists): These individuals are preoccupied with an imagined future, seeking refuge from present difficulties in the safety and comfort of a fantasy world. Like the nostalgics, they want to escape the present crisis, but instead of looking to the past, they escape to the future. They dream of a utopian society where conflict and suffering are nonexistent, yet fail to take concrete action to address the issues of the present. Many of us tend to be We wait, hoping for a better future, instead of actively extending reconciliation, love, sharing, and hospitality to our neighbours in Myanmar.
- Escapistas (Escapists): This group actively avoids confronting any crisis by ignoring its existence. They prioritise personal comfort and security, opting to remain detached from the challenges faced by others. They neither question nor express their feelings and opinions toward any crisis and prefer to stay silent. By withdrawing from engagement and dialogue, they perpetuate a cycle of indifference and apathy, contributing to the perpetuation of suffering in Myanmar.
- Responsáveis (Prudent and Righteous): The last category encompasses individuals who view crises as opportunities for growth and positive change. Unlike the previous groups, they do not neglect the realities of the present, nor do they dwell on an idealised past or future. Instead, they actively engage with the crisis, seeking solutions and collaborating with others to effect meaningful change. Their proactive approach embodies a commitment to justice, peace, and unity, offering hope for a brighter future in Myanmar.
The notion that radical changes often emerge from periods of immense and continuous crisis may appear controversial at first glance. However, this perspective suggests that crises can serve as catalysts for positive transformation, particularly in the context of democracy and social progress. Although crises undoubtedly result in significant casualties and hardships for society, they also present an opportunity for profound change and renewal, provided that responsible and proactive action is taken.
Rather than dwelling on the past or indulging in utopian fantasies about the future, it is imperative for us, as responsible citizens and children of God, to confront crisis as an opportunity for unity and collective action towards our common desire for a more democratic and harmonious society.
Jesus Christ himself underwent the greatest torture in human history. It was his suffering and resurrection that birthed millions of Christians. As the great German philosopher M. Heidegger, then the Rector of Fribourg University, observed: “Ta megála pánta epísfále [All big changes happen in crisis and tribulation]”.
Myanmar is currently experiencing significant trials. When the time is ripe, a big change will occur for the people of Myanmar. It is crucial that we approach this crisis with a sense of resolve and determination. By embracing the present moment as an opportunity for collective action and solidarity, we can lay the groundwork for a future that is characterised by hope, love, and unity, transcending race, ethnicity, religion, and social and political affiliation.
Júlio Sousa SJ