French energy giant EDF is involved in a dam project in Burma which local communities say will “threaten the lives of local people, prolong wars and jeopardise the peace process.”
The dam, called Shweli 3, is in an area of Shan State which has been under the control of different ethnic armed organisations. Once work began on preparations for the dam, Burmese Army battalions moved into the area triggering conflict that forced hundreds to flee their homes.
Now the project is moving closer to development and construction, there are fears of more conflict and abuses.
“It is certain that continued work on the project will only further intensify conflict, human rights violations, and displacement, as well as threaten the peace process,” stated Mai Amm Ngeal of local organisation, Ta’ang Students and Youth Union.
Nang San San Aye, a Shan State MP, has stated: “We urge foreign countries to stop promoting and investing in dams in Burma’s war zones. It is fuelling conflict, and undermining efforts to seek peace.”
EDF is ignoring local people and going ahead with a dam that they know will fuel conflict and human rights violations.
