2 hours agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, On 1 February, Myanmar entered its fourth year since the coupThe government in Myanmar has declared that all young men and women must serve in the military as the country faces ongoing turmoil. In recent months, the military has suffered a series of defeats in clashes with ethnic militias and anti-coup fighters. The new mandate, announced on Saturday, will require all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve at least two years under military command.No further details have been provided. However, the junta stated in a release that its defense ministry would “release necessary bylaws, procedures, announcements orders, notifications, and instructions”. The military has experienced a number of embarrassing defeats recently. At the end of last year, three ethnic insurgent armies in Shan State, with support from other anti-government armed groups, took control of border crossings and trade routes with China.The military-installed president of Myanmar, Myint Swe – a former general – has previously cautioned that the country is at risk of fracturing if the government is unable to quell the fighting.A conscription law was introduced in Myanmar in 2010 but had not been enforced until now. Under the law, the service terms can be extended for up to five years during a state of emergency. Those who disregard the call to serve can face imprisonment for the same duration.A state of emergency was declared by the country’s junta in 2021 and has recently been extended for an additional six months. Myanmar endured nearly 50 years of oppressive military rule before transitioning towards democracy in 2011. On 1 February 2021, the military proclaimed its control over the country.Disorder and conflict have plagued the country since then, resulting in over one million people being displaced and thousands of deaths. The military’s performance in recent clashes with ethnic armed groups, some of which ended in defeats and retreats, has led to criticism and doubt among its supporters.
