Based on false promises from the Burmese military, the British government led the way calling for sanctions to be suspended and even offered training to the Burmese military. With sanctions lifted, the Burmese military increased their budget by $100 million each year and went on a weapons spending spree, including buying the jets they are using to bomb homes and schools now.
Earlier this year, the BBC estimated the Burmese military only controlled just over 20% of the country. They are desperate, and their survival strategy is to hold this election, rebrand, and try to survive.
That is why activists in Burma are saying this is the most dangerous moment. That is why we are being asked to help make sure the Burmese military don’t succeed.
We need to exert maximum pressure, not just on the British government, but in Europe and elsewhere, ensuring that they not only reject the election, but also reject whatever sham process follows the election. They must not allow themselves to be fooled again.
The Burmese military have never been weaker. The election and the regime the military install afterwards is their lifeline. We need to ensure the British government cut that lifeline, rather than grabbing it and pulling the military to safety, like they did after the 2010 election.
Please donate today to help ensure we can brief as many governments as possible about what to expect after the sham election, and not to fall for another false reform process. We need to produce briefing papers, lobby MPs, provide information to journalists. We need to ensure that key decision makers hear from the people of Burma about this sham process, and how instead the British government should be stepping up sanctions and other pressure on the military.
