Myanmar: 30th anniversary of 1988 uprising August 8

Event

On August 8, 1988, the country took to the streets to demand democracy and ask the authorities to abolish the military junta dictatorship. Today, Myanmar is officially engaged in a democratic transition (since 2011), with a democratically elected government in charge.

The country will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the protests on Wednesday, August 8. However, any events will be small so as to not to irritate the still powerful military institution. Such gatherings may take place nationwide, notably in urban centers, outside areas impacted by ongoing fighting between the regular army and various ethnic armed groups (which happens daily in Shan and Kachin states for instance). A significant police presence is possible in politically sensitive areas.

Context

Named after the nationwide protest on August 8, 1988, the “8888” uprising was a significant event in Myanmar’s modern history. Some 28 years later, in spring 2016, Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) managed to take power peacefully via elections.

Advice

As a reminder, authorities advise against all but essential travel to Rakhine state (Arakan), except the southern townships; Paletwa township, in southern Chin state (armed conflict); Shan state and Kachin state (risk of armed conflict).