AiBotYANGON, MYANMAR – Tensions between the ruling military junta and ethnic separatists in Myanmar have escalated into full-blown clashes, with experts attributing the conflict to both religious and ethnic motivations, as well as deep-seated economic disparities and historical grievances.
The latest bout of violence, which has claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of civilians, has its roots in the long-standing struggle for autonomy by the Rohingya Muslim minority, who have faced decades of persecution and marginalization. The Rohingya, who make up approximately 3% of Myanmar’s population, have been denied citizenship and basic human rights, sparking widespread international condemnation and calls for intervention.
However, analysts argue that the conflict cannot be reduced to a simple matter of religious persecution. “It’s not just about Islam versus Buddhism,” said Maung Zarni, a Rohingya scholar and human rights activist. “The Rohingya have been fighting for ethnic and national self-determination for over a century, long before the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the 1980s.”
One key factor driving the conflict is economic inequality. Myanmar’s vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and timber, have been predominantly controlled by the military and its cronies, while rural communities and ethnic minorities have been left behind. “The military’s economic policies have exacerbated social and economic disparities, fueling resentment and discontent among marginalized groups,” said Sean Turnell, a Myanmar expert at Australia’s Macquarie University.
Another critical factor is the historical trauma inflicted on ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya, by the military regime. “The Rohingya have experienced a century of brutal suppression, marked by mass killings, forced relocations, and systematic violence,” said Zarni. “Their struggle for self-determination is, in part, a response to this ongoing trauma.”
While religious tensions cannot be discounted, they remain secondary to the fundamental issues of power, wealth, and identity. “The conflict in Myanmar is not between Islam and Buddhism; it’s between the powerful and the powerless, the haves and the have-nots,” said Turnell. “Only by addressing these underlying drivers can we hope to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.”
As the conflict continues to intensify, calls for international intervention are growing louder. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have sounded the alarm over the military’s atrocities, while the international community must act swiftly to prevent a humanitarian crisis.