Political parties view U.S. Burma Act as fueling Myanmar's ongoing conflict
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Lynn/Munich (NP News) - Nov 21
Some political parties view the U.S. Burma Act as merely an escalation of fuel for the conflict in Myanmar’s war-torn regions.
Under President Biden’s administration in 2022, the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included the Burma Act as a provision, which was subsequently amended and reenacted.
Under the Burma Act, it is reported that the U.S. provided $136 million in aid to Myanmar in 2023, and there are commitments to provide at least $121 million in aid for 2024.
It is reported that the funds mentioned above have primarily reached opposition groups including the NUG, CRPH, and various ethnocentric armed groups to the State Administration Council government.
Currently, with former President Trump set to lead the U.S. government again, political community are closely watching whether the Burma Act will continue to be upheld or not.
At present, political community is closely watching whether the Burma Act will continue to be upheld or not since presidency has been changed in the U.S.
"In the U.S., when the Trump’s government comes back, we have to consider whether Trump will continue the Burma Act. The Burma Act has provided funds to our country, but most of it has gone to ethnic areas. To say it honestly, the Burma Act is not actually helping those who are truly suffering in Myanmar. It's like pouring gasoline on the flames—just creating more destruction in conflict zones," said U Yan Naing Win, the vice- chairman of the Federal Democratic Party, in an interview with The NP News.
He also added that the armed groups fighting against the SAC government are doing so mainly because they are receiving financial support under the Burma Act.
U Yan Naing Win continued, "The Burma Act was enacted during the Biden administration in the U.S. On our side, we received funds in dollars. All international aid should, if there is genuine goodwill towards our country, be directed to things that directly benefit the people. However, the aid is primarily being given to ethnic leaders, and they, in turn, are using this money and funds for fighting. If assistance is not provided from a broader perspective, the ethnic leaders understand the situation. If they don’t get what they need, there’s no reason for them to continue the fight."
It is being observed that, under the U.S. Burma Act, the funds received are primarily flowing to the NUG and ethnocentric armed groups.
In addition, U Khaing Min, the vice-chairman of the New National Democracy Party, has also expressed the view that the Burma Act is merely providing support and assistance to the terrorist groups within Myanmar.
"The U.S. introduced the Burma Act, claiming it would provide non-military assistance to opposition groups. However, their actions, including the stance of the West, show that they have never had a positive approach toward our country. Therefore, the Burma Act is just one of many actions they've taken to bring suffering to our nation. This is something that does not benefit us. To be clear, the Burma Act is simply a way of supporting and assisting the militants within Myanmar. It is not the kind of work that good friends should be doing. It is like handing a knife to a thief," U Khaing Min said.
Since the military took control of the country in February 2021, armed conflicts have escalated in many regions within Myanmar. As of now, the country continues heading towards battles that could potentially lead to its collapse.