Not long ago, we reported on the rebels' successful resistance against the junta in Myanmar reported. A success that initially looked like a glimmer of hope in the politically shattered country and was already being dubbed a turnaround.
However, the military government was put under pressure by this defeat and took even more drastic measures: All men between the ages of 18 and 45, are now to be conscripted into military service for at least two years. Certain professionals such as doctors and engineers even have to serve three years in the military. According to Burmese law, military service can also be extended to five years.
This measure is to come into force from April 2024. From this date, up to 5,000 conscripts are to be drafted every month to fight for the junta against their own fellow citizens. There will be around 6.3 million men in total. Rumor has it that women between the ages of 18 and 35 will also be forced to serve, although this has not yet been officially confirmed. However, if this were the case, another 7.7 million people would be added. "Young people are horrified that they can be forced to participate in the junta's reign of terror," said the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews.
Out of fear, countless residents are now trying to leave the country for Thailand. The Thai embassy has already announced that it will not accept more than 400 applications a day due to the mass influx. In the city of Mandalay in the center of the country, two women even died due to a mass panic outside the offices.
We are naturally also dismayed by this news and are very concerned about the development: The majority of our employees are of the appropriate age. Of course, we are doing everything we can to ensure that our colleagues and friends on site are safe.
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