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More than 83 per cent of households in Myanmar reported a drop in income since the start of 2020. AFP
Myanmar lurching towards state collapse, analysts say
Thu, 13 May 2021
In a worrying worrying sign of deepening economic collapse, military-ruled Myanmar’s agricultural sector is sinking fast as cash runs short and access to mobile-based financial services that were a lifeline is cut off.
After the February 1 coup d’etat, Myanmar reverted in large part to a cash-based economy – but cash itself is short.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) warned recently that more than 83 per cent of households reported a drop in income since the start of 2020. In a worst-case scenario, about 26 million additional people next year, compared with 2017, could be living in poverty, defined as $1 a day.
Myanmar poet Khet Thi, who wrote that the revolution against Myanmar s military junta is in the heart, dies under torture at the hands of his interrogators.
Rebel groups have attacked bases and
reportedly brought down a military helicopter. As expected, these attacks have
drawn a fierce response from the military, with new offensives forcing
thousands of people from ethnic states and regions to flee.
The displaced are increasingly fleeing into Thailand
and India as fighting escalates. A major refugee
crisis may be in the making as many of Southeast Asia’s governments maintain
their unwelcoming stances towards migrants.
Ethnic
rebel groups have accelerated attacks on the military
Myanmar appears to be on the verge of a full-blown
civil war as ethnic armed groups ramp up attacks on the military.