Guest contributor
James Shwe
As a long-time advocate for democracy in Myanmar, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of grassroots movements and inter-ethnic cooperation in our struggle for freedom. Since the 2021 military coup, I’ve been deeply involved in advocacy efforts in the United States, contributing to the passage and amendment of the BURMA Act and subsequent appropriations and implementation requests to Congress and USAID.
My experiences have shown me our people’s incredible resilience and determination within Myanmar and the diaspora, inspiring hope for a democratic future. One of the most inspiring aspects of our movement has been the unprecedented level of inter-ethnic cooperation. Despite the divisive attempts of military junta agents and self-serving activists, I’ve seen ethnic communities coming together in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
This unity was particularly evident in our annual campaigns to retain Myanmar Permanent Representative Kyaw Moe Tun’s seat at the U.N., where diverse ethnic groups worked together towards a common goal. The true strength of our movement lies in the grassroots.
Across Myanmar, local communities are taking charge of their destinies, shaping the future of our nation. In over half of the country’s rural conflict areas, people are stepping up to provide essential services like education, healthcare, and security. This grassroots governance is not just filling an administrative gap – it’s actively shaping the future of Myanmar and strengthening our civil society.
What’s abundantly clear from these efforts is that the people of Myanmar are unwavering in their desire for democracy. They are willing to risk their lives and sacrifice their resources to strive for it. This commitment to a democratic future is evident in every corner of our nation, from the ethnic minority regions with long-standing traditions of self-administration to the ethnic Bamar-majority areas developing new governance structures.
It’s crucial to address the narrative of fragmentation that some naysayers promote. This gloom and doom rhetoric, often provided without any encouragement or possible solutions, bears a striking resemblance to negative propaganda spread by military junta supporters. Its aim seems to be discouraging the resistance and deterring international assistance. We must reject these divisive narratives and focus on the reality of our unity and shared aspirations to stay united and focused on our common goal of democracy.
Myanmar’s situation, while challenging, offers distinct advantages over countries like Libya and Somalia. Unlike these nations, we have not fallen prey to the destabilizing forces of religious extremism that have torn apart their social fabric. Our struggle is fundamentally political, not sectarian.
Additionally, while we face our own challenges with external influences, we have not experienced the level of direct foreign military intervention that has plagued Libya and Somalia, further complicating their paths to stability and democracy.
We can draw inspiration from successful democratic transitions in countries like Spain, Portugal, and South Korea. Like them, we are transitioning from long-standing authoritarian rule, have a strong pro-democracy opposition movement, and have the potential for rapid economic development following democratization. This potential for economic growth offers a beacon of hope for our future.
To build on our unity, we must continue strengthening grassroots advocacy movements within each ethnic community. These movements are the foundation for inter-ethnic cooperation and a genuinely inclusive federal system. By empowering local communities to advocate for their rights and needs, we create a bottom-up approach to governance that can effectively address the diverse concerns of Myanmar’s many ethnic groups.
For those in the diaspora, your role is crucial. The survey data shows that Burmese abroad are deeply committed to Myanmar’s political processes, with many actively supporting the resistance through funding and activism. This engagement must continue and grow. Building relationships between diaspora communities and those inside Myanmar can create a robust support network and shared knowledge.
Education remains key to this process. We must educate ourselves and each other about federal democracy, inclusive governance, and the importance of cross-ethnic solidarity. Use social media responsibly to share information and organize and amplify diverse voices across Myanmar’s ethnic spectrum.
To the youth of Myanmar, your creativity and resilience in the face of oppression have been inspiring. Continue to innovate in your methods of resistance and community-building. Your digital savvy and global outlook are invaluable assets in this struggle.
For those inside Myanmar, continue to strengthen your local governance structures. These grassroots institutions are not just stopgap measures but the building blocks of our future federal democracy. Share resources, knowledge, and support across different regions and ethnic communities.
Remember, our unity is our strength. By working together across ethnic, geographic, and generational lines, we can build a Myanmar that represents all its people. We have advantages that countries in similar situations don’t have – a more robust national identity, a more developed civil society, and growing international support. Let’s leverage these advantages.
The path ahead is challenging, but through grassroots solidarity and a shared vision of an inclusive, federal democratic future, we can overcome the forces that seek to divide us. Let us move forward together, building from the ground up, towards a Myanmar where all voices are heard and all communities thrive. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our path to freedom.
James Shwe is a Myanmar democracy activist in the U.S. and is a member of the advocacy groups Free Myanmar and the Los Angeles Myanmar Movement. He has been trying to organize and motivate the Myanmar diaspora to advocate for democracy in Myanmar.
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