Global rallies for 37th anniversary of ‘8888’ Uprising
Commemorative rallies for the 37th anniversary of Burma’s 1988 pro-democracy uprising against military dictatorship, known as the ‘8888’ Uprising, was held in France, South Korea, Australia, the U.S., and the U.A.E., from Aug. 5-7. The rallies in Paris, Seoul, Sydney, New York City, Dallas, and Dubai, called for increased international support for the democracy movement in Burma since the 2021 military coup.
Commemorative events for the 37th anniversary of the ‘8888’ Uprising have been reported in resistance-controlled areas of Sagaing Region. The Yangon Strike Group called on citizens to mobilise and raise awareness about Burma’s pro-democracy movement, sharing the slogan: “The unfinished 8888 — Together we struggle for people’s liberation” along with images of planned activities for Aug. 8.
The 8888 Uprising, which began on Aug. 8, 1988, was a nationwide protest movement led by students demanding an end to military rule, which were violently suppressed with thousands reported killed. Every year, Aug. 8 is commemorated by pro-democracy groups and supporters both inside and outside of Burma calling for a return to civilian rule in the country, which ended on Feb. 1, 2021.
Myanmar pro-democracy groups meet with Malaysia
National League for Democracy (NLD) party executive member Kyaw Htwe told DVB that he is hopeful about a meeting between anti-regime groups from Burma and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur from Aug. 4-7. The NLD stated in its announcement on Aug. 3 that its members could not attend the meeting due to “difficulties in foreign travels.”
Kyaw Htwe added that the NLD accepts the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, and the release of jailed State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and over 22,000 other political prisoners in Burma. The NLD called on ASEAN not to support regime elections scheduled to begin in December as it says this “will not reflect the people’s opinions.”
Members of the National Unity Government (NUG), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), as well as ethnic armed groups such as the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the Chin National Front (CNF) attended the meeting. DVB contacted NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung but received no response.
Regime acting President Myint Swe dies in Naypyidaw
The National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) announced on Thursday that flags will be raised at half mast from Aug. 7-9 to mourn the death of acting President Myint Swe. Regime media reported that Myint Swe died at the No. 2 1,000-bed military hospital in Naypyidaw, where he had been receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease and “neurodegenerative conditions” since July 24.
Min Aung Hlaing assumed the duties of acting president after Myint Swe was placed on medical leave due to his reported “neurological disorders and peripheral neuropathy” on July 18, 2024. The NDSC, which Myint Swe was appointed to lead since the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021 up to his medical leave last year, reported that his health problems began in 2023.
Myint Swe became the acting president when the military ousted the NLD administration during its Feb. 1, 2021 coup and jailed President Win Myint. The retired Burma Army officer served as a vice president under State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD government from 2016-2021. Read more on our website
News by Region
KARENNI—An aid group told DVB that it rescued over 200 residents of Pekon Township who fled their homes in southern Shan State to Demoso Township on Wednesday. Pekon is located 25 miles (40 km) north of Demoso and 21 miles (33 km) north of the state capital Loikaw.
An aid worker said that the 200 were residents of Moebye and villages on the east bank of Pekon Lake, who had walked for over 10 days. Since July, 40,000 residents from villages east of Pekon Lake and Nanmekhon have fled to Demoso, which is under Karenni resistance control.
MANDALAY—Residents told DVB that there has been “stricter” scrutiny at military and police checkpoints since the People’s Defence Force (PDF) seized three regime outposts in villages located 10 miles (16 km) north of Chanayethazan Township on July 20.
A Mandalay resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that pro-regime forces are searching motorists’ phones for Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications, which have been made illegal under the regime’s Cybersecurity Law enforced on July 30.
NAYPYIDAW—The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) announced on Tuesday that it will sell $30 million USD to fuel businesses in an attempt to curb inflation. The CBM sells $1 USD at 3,622 MMK, 1 CNY at 553.65 MMK, and 1 THB at 134.40 MMK on its trading platform.
The CBM has sold over $150 million USD in July and $125 million USD in June to fuel businesses, according to its statements. This follows Monday’s announcement to inject 10 million CNY ($1.4 million USD) and 50 million THB ($1.54 million USD) into import business.
SHAN—Residents of Taunggyi Township told DVB that the regime administration gave authorization to use the Person Scrutinization and Monitoring System (PSMS) at hotels and checkpoints on Aug. 4. One resident said that the move is aimed to instill fear in the public.
The directive also requires owners of hotels and bus companies to share the data of its customers with the authorities. Pro-regime media reported in May that police arrested 1,657 “fugitives” nationwide between March 7 and May 21 through the use of PSMS.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,405 MMK)
