2021 Myanmar coup d'état facts for kids

On February 1, 2021, the military in Myanmar took control of the government. This is called a coup. Important leaders, like Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, were arrested. The military, also known as the Tatmadaw, then took charge of the country.

Understanding the Myanmar Coup

Myanmar's Past Military Rule

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been ruled by its military before. For example, General Ne Win led a coup in 1962. This meant the military took over the government by force.

In 1988, many people protested against the military government. They were unhappy and wanted fair elections. They hoped elections would allow ordinary people to choose their leaders. Sadly, the military used force against these protesters.

The Role of Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi is a very important person in Myanmar's history. Her father, Aung San, was a general who helped Myanmar become free from British rule. After the 1988 protests, Aung San Suu Kyi became a strong supporter of democracy. She wanted the people to have a say in their government.

In 1990, her political party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), won the elections by a huge amount. However, the military government refused to accept these results. They did not let her party take power.

Years later, in 2011, the NLD party won elections again. But Aung San Suu Kyi could not become president. This was because her late husband and two sons are British citizens. Myanmar's laws do not allow someone with foreign family members to be president. So, she became the State Counsellor, which is a role similar to a prime minister.

In 2020, Myanmar held another election. The NLD party won once more. However, the military claimed there was cheating during the voting.

What Happened During the Coup

Events on February 1, 2021

Early in the morning of February 1, 2021, soldiers arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders from her party. They were taken away in a sudden raid.

After these arrests, the internet and phone lines were cut off. This made it very hard for people inside Myanmar to talk to each other. It also stopped them from communicating with people outside the country.

How the World Reacted

International Concerns

Many leaders from countries around the world spoke out. They said they were very worried about what was happening in Myanmar. They called for the military to release the arrested leaders and respect the election results.

Images for kids

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  Licence-built Thunder armoured personnel carrier of Myanmar Army patrolling after the coup.

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  Thousands of protesters participate in an anti-military rally in Yangon.

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  Teachers are protesting in Hpa-An, capital city of Kayin State (9 February 2021)

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  Protest in favor of a Myanmar "COVID ceasefire" on 27 July 2021, across from the United Nations in New York, NY.

See also

In Spanish: Golpe de Estado en Birmania de 2021 para niños