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Weekly

Week in Review

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လွန်ခဲ့သော ၂ နှစ် က

Since Myanmar people have been living under the military regime, they are getting used to the challenges and difficulties that are by-products of a repressive regime. This week, we report about the severe fuel shortage the people face, enduring long queues just to get a meager fuel. The people also have to deal with spiraling currency exchange and intensified battles that has already reached some Myanmar cities.

 

Central bank floats the Kyats

 

The central bank under the military government said it will no longer fix the exchange rate and would adopt a market-controlled exchange rate. It is the first time the Myanmar Central Bank lifted control of the exchange rate. It has yet to announce the reason behind the policy change.

 

After the Central Bank announcement, the exchange rate between US dollar and Myanmar Kyat rose by 60 Kyats. On the other hand, One tical of gold rose by 1 lakh. The central bank controlled the exchange rate since the junta seized power in February 2021. It has shut down around 140 currency exchange companies that violated its imposed exchange rate.

 

Gasoline Calamity

 

For several months now people have been lining up to buy cooking oil and just a few weeks ago they have to queue longer just to get their supply of gasoline. Some have to wait and sleep in front of the gas station so they could buy fuel. Several gasoline stations across the country have closed down due to lack of supply.

 

At the beginning of December, the fuel prices increased by 300 MMKs per liter and despite the astronomical increase there is still severe fuel shortage across the country.

 

Meet up with China in Beijing

 

The military-appointed foreign minister met up with the China foreign affairs minister Wang Yi in Beijing. During the meeting, Wang Yi said they are hoping for national reconciliation in order to final end the violent conflict across the nation. Wang Yi  assured that China would not intervene in the domestic affairs of Myanmar, amid rumors the Chinese government is backing ethnic armed groups fighting the junta. China and Myanmar relations hit snag over online gambling operating in Myanmar and victimizing Chinese nationals. There are also concerns about delays in the implementation of the Chinese projects in Myanmar.

 

Junta to welcome back military deserters

 

On 04 December, military spokesperson General Zaw Min Tun said they will accept deserters and soldiers who took leave without absence since some of these deserters begged to rejoin the military and fight anti-junta forces. He said thousands of deserters sent feelers expressing interest to rejoin the military.

 

According to the statement, those who were convicted crimes but willing to join back the military would be given amnesty. Those deserters that are imprisoned would be released if they rejoin the military. Some analysts said the junta is enticing deserters to return to the fold amid the defeats the military suffered since anti-junta forces launched massive counter offensive in late October.

 

UN human rights representative urges halt to selling arms to junta

 

The UN human rights rapporteur Tom Andrews urged UN-member states to stop the flow of arms to the junta that have been accused of committing war crimes against the Myanmar people.

 

In the statement released on 06 December, he urged a halt to selling aviation fuel to the junta since they attacked the civilian areas including villages, schools, hospitals and IDP camps. Moreover, they urged armed groups battling junta forces to observe the conduct of war .

 

 Burma Associated Press

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