Why Myanmar's coup may be a major step backwards
Updated / Tuesday, 2 Feb 2021
14:26
"Aung San Suu Kyi's detention undermines the fragile coalition that was steering Myanmar through a perilous period"
Analysis: last year's elections showed both distaste for any political role by the military and the ongoing popularity of Aung San Suu Kyi
Just before the newly elected members of Myanmar's parliament were due to be sworn in today, the military detained the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi; the president, Win Myint; and other key figures from the elected ruling party, the National League for Democracy.
The military later announced it had taken control of the country for 12 months and declared a state of emergency. This is a coup d'etat, whether the military calls it that or not.