Specials

The Irrawaddy looks back at the key players that shaped Myanmar in 2024, a year in which the junta suffered serious military setbacks but also saw some diplomatic wins.

Regime officials launched a diplomatic blitz this year, turning to China, India and even Iran for support as it lost more territory to a nationwide uprising.

Also this week, the regime urged military doctors to brace for battle, avoided naming election date in talks with neighbors, and reshuffled its leadership.

In other regime developments, the dictator claimed that ‘corruption undermines democracy,’ despite having enriched himself and his family after seizing power from an elected government. 

Also this week, a study showed the regime has arrested over 1,800 netizens for criticizing military rule, and the junta doubled down after assault on Thai vessels.    

This week, the regime faced pressure from a border dispute involving Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic army, while kowtowing even further to Beijing.

Also this week, the junta chief touted his election plan to China and ASEAN, offered gems for hard currency, and welcomed a blacklisted Russian official.

Former political prisoner Daw Sandar Thwin continues to support the revolution despite the daily struggle of life in a Thai border town.  

Also this week, the junta squeezed labor agencies for conscripts abroad, while Min Aung Hlaing boosted his family’s EV business and went shopping for drones in China.  

Also this week, Min Aung Hlaing touted Myanmar as solution to global food insecurity amid UN warning of famine.