Myanmar

The report by Agenzia Fides includes the death of two Catholics engaged in pastoral work killed in Asia: Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, and layman Mark Christian Malaca, a teacher in Laur. Last year, no deaths were reported. This year’s figures reflect a growing trend.

The first phase of the military elections is marked by allegations of fraud, electronic voting malfunctions and popular boycotts. The USDP party was declared the winner before the polls opened. The management highlighted the junta's limited control amid arrests, internet blackouts and the absence of credible international observers.

Almost five years after the coup that ended democracy, the military junta has called elections, despite ongoing conflict in some areas. Several international organisations and a large part of the civilian population consider the vote a sham. Meanwhile, people displaced by war and earthquake continue to try to build a future full of uncertainty.

In his Christmas message, the archbishop of Yangon prays for peace in a country that has been torn by civil war for almost five years. He writes: “God chose to enter human history as a fragile child – without power, without protection, without worldly attraction.” The prelate also reiterated Leo XIV's call for disarmament.

Suspended in 2011 following mass protests, the hydroelectric project in Kachin State is set to be revived by the military ahead of upcoming elections. For analysts and the local community, this is a political manoeuvre to strengthen ties with China, which would receive 90 per cent of the energy produced, despite potentially serious damages to the environment, local communities, and security.

The regime has ordered churches in the northern state, home to a large Christian community, to celebrate Christmas Mass by 20 December. Any public event related to the holiday is prohibited on the 25th. Officials justify the measure citing logistical difficulties. Anger and frustration are widespread among the faithful. “They oppress us with weapons, and now they try to oppress our spirit,” said one.

At least 33 people died and more than 80 were injured in the raid on December 10. Among the victims were patients, doctors, and even newborn babies. The United Nations and international groups believe it is impossible to hold elections amid growing tensions and hostilities. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis is also taking on ever greater proportions.

According to the UNODC, poppy cultivation areas have increased by 17% in one year, especially in Shan State. Cannabis cultivation is also on the rise in Sagaing, now the epicentre of the resistance. While some areas are returning to junta control thanks to conscription and drones supplied by Russia and China, instability continues and international criticism of the elections announced by the military continues.

Myanmar's military junta has released more than 3,000 political prisoners and dropped charges against another 5,500 people. Friends and relatives of the prisoners rejoiced yesterday, but it is also a threat to the population, who find themselves forced to vote in order to avoid arrest. This has been confirmed by the military itself: more than 700 prisoners will only be released on parole and risk returning to prison at the first sign of dissent.

The military and the pro-government BGF militia raided the Shwe Kokko complex. According to local sources, however, the BGF moved out its bosses before the raid, and thousands of workers fled after being warned. Washington and Beijing have launched parallel initiatives against the activities that finance this criminal activity, but many analysts remain sceptical; without targeting the networks linking the military, militias, and criminal groups, raids risk being merely window dressing.

The French president calls for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. As the poll approaches, the military regime intensifies its propaganda, forcing artists and actors to support the election. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army recently signed a ceasefire brokered by China that allows the junta to take control of part of the Mandalay region. In Mogok, residents renew their protests.

A boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi citizens capsized off the coast of Langkawi in one of the worst accidents ever recorded. Malaysian authorities have reported seven victims and only 13 survivors so far. This year alone, the UNHCR has reported over 600 deaths or missing persons along the Gulf of Bengal routes.