28 Oct 2017 | 06:40 PM UTC
Myanmar: Protest march planned in Rangoon October 29
Pro-government supporters are planning to hold a demonstration through downtown Rangoon on October 29; expect localized traffic disruptions
Event
According to the US Embassy in Rangoon, a pro-government march is expected to take place in the capital on Sunday, October 29. The demonstration is expected to start at 12:00 (local time) east of Shwedagon Pagoda near the Shwe Gone Daing flyover. Protesters will then march along Kabar Aye Pagoda Road to City Hall. Expect traffic disruptions along the march route.
Context
The demonstration is in support of the Burmese security forces. Human rights groups have accused the Burmese army of committing crimes against humanity, and possibly ethnic cleansing, during their crackdown against the Rohingya community, including rape, torture, the destruction thousands of homes, and killing civilians. The Burmese army began operations against the Rohingya community following a Rohingya militant attack on Burmese security forces on August 25. Around 500 people have been killed in the fighting as of October 9.
Advice
Individuals in Rangoon are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and allow additional time to travel.
More generally, individuals present in Myanmar are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere by all instructions issued by authorities. Due to poor security conditions, some Western governments and Myanmar authorities advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Rakhine state - with the exception of the southern townships of Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Toungup, Thandwe (including the tourist resort of Ngapali), and Gwa - and the Bangladeshi border.
