Democrats in Myanmar cannot be killed - An appeal on the 5th anniversary of the coupfebruar 2026

Democrats in Myanmar cannot be killed - An appeal on the 5th anniversary of the coup

februar 2026

Today marks five years since Myanmar's military toppled a democratically elected government and threw the country into war, oppression and humanitarian collapse.

For five years, the population of Myanmar has been living under air strikes, mass arrests, torture and destruction of entire communities. What started as a coup has evolved into a long-term crisis with regional and global consequences.

The signed organizations from the Myanmar diaspora in Norway express great gratitude for the solidarity and humanitarian support from Norwegian civil society and Norwegian institutions. At the same time, this marking requires not only compassion, but political clarity.

In much parts of Europe – including in Norway – the situation in Myanmar is still referred to as an internal conflict. But it's more than that. It's a struggle between a people demanding democracy and an illegal military dictatorship that uses violence to stay in power.

At the same time, the military junta receives political, military and economic support from, among others, China and Russia, and through attempts to legitimize so-called elections. When democratic states hesitate in the name of "non-interference", it actually helps to enable further repression.

Therefore, the world community must take a clearer position for democracy, for the people and against dictatorship. We express deep concern about the junta's attempt to legitimize its governance through a staged election and the establishment of a so-called "civil" government.

This does not represent a return to democracy, but a continuation of the military government in a new disguise.

A democratic process cannot exist when:

• Legitimate leaders are imprisoned or living in exile

• Political parties are dissolved by force

• The population is forced through fear and duty to protect

• Air strikes continue against civilian areas

Any government formed under such circumstances lacks legitimacy both according to international law and the will of the people.

We therefore encourage:

• Continued non-recognition of any junta-created government

• Strengthened targeted measures against military-affiliated companies and deliveries of aircraft fuel

• Humanitarian assistance that reaches the population through local and cross-border channels - not through the military

• Support for democratic forces and an inclusive political process led by actors from Myanmar

Norway has long stood for human rights, international rights and peace work. Myanmar is today a test of whether these principles stand firm even when military power and political convenience challenge them.

As organizations with roots in Myanmar diaspora in Norway, we carry the voices of those who cannot express themselves freely.

We ask the Norwegian community and decision-makers to continue to stand on the side of the people - not the generals.

Five years of military rule has not brought stability or peace.

Only a democratic, civil-led future can end this crisis.

Sincerely,

Myanmar- CRPH Support Group, Norway

Myanmar (CRPH) Support Group, Norway