<h4>The 2021 Military Coup in Myanmar</h4><p>In <strong>February 2021</strong>, <strong>Myanmar's military</strong>, known as the <strong>Tatmadaw</strong>, orchestrated a coup. They overthrew the country's <strong>democratically elected government</strong>, plunging the nation into political turmoil.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Event:</strong> <strong>Military Coup</strong> on <strong>February 1, 2021</strong>.</p></div><p>This forceful takeover immediately triggered widespread public outrage. Citizens initiated extensive <strong>protests</strong> and a robust <strong>civil disobedience movement</strong> across the country.</p><p>The primary demand of these movements was the swift <strong>restoration of democracy</strong> and the return of the elected civilian leadership.</p><h4>Emergence of Resistance Movements</h4><p>The <strong>junta's crackdown</strong> on dissent was severe, leading to the formation of organized opposition. Various groups, including established <strong>Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs)</strong>, united to resist military rule.</p><p>These groups collectively formed the <strong>People's Defence Forces (PDFs)</strong>. The <strong>PDFs</strong> operate as the armed wing of the resistance, challenging the <strong>Tatmadaw's</strong> authority.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Key Players:</strong> <ul><li><strong>Tatmadaw:</strong> Myanmar's military junta.</li><li><strong>EAOs:</strong> Ethnic Armed Organizations.</li><li><strong>PDFs:</strong> People's Defence Forces, resistance fighters.</li><li><strong>NUG:</strong> National Unity Government, formed by ousted lawmakers.</li></ul></p></div><p>The <strong>National Unity Government (NUG)</strong>, comprising ousted lawmakers, provides a political umbrella for these resistance efforts. It seeks international recognition as Myanmar's legitimate government.</p><h4>Escalation of Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis</h4><p>Since <strong>October 2023</strong>, the conflict between the <strong>military</strong> and various <strong>armed opposition groups</strong> has dramatically intensified. This escalation has had devastating consequences for the civilian population.</p><p>The fighting has resulted in massive <strong>displacement</strong> of people from their homes and a severe, ongoing <strong>humanitarian crisis</strong> throughout the country.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Humanitarian Impact:</strong></p><ul><li>Approximately <strong>2.6 million people</strong> have been displaced.</li><li><strong>18.6 million people</strong> (roughly <strong>one-third</strong> of the population) require humanitarian assistance.</li></ul></div><p>The combined effects of <strong>inflation</strong> and the persistent <strong>conflict</strong> have significantly driven up the cost of essential goods. This includes food and other basic necessities.</p><p>Consequently, an estimated <strong>one-quarter</strong> of Myanmar's population faces severe <strong>hunger</strong> and increased risks of <strong>illness</strong> due to lack of resources and ongoing instability.</p>