Responding to the news that a military coup has taken place in Myanmar, with a year-long state of emergency declared, Professor Melissa Leach, Director, Institute of Development Studies, said:
‘IDS joins the global community in being highly concerned about the declaration of a state of emergency in Myanmar by the military.
“IDS’s engagement in Myanmar over the years has found it to be a country where citizens have long struggled with a legacy of fear and distrust. There had been signs of hope in recent years as the poorest and most marginalised began to experience some recognition of their rights and realise an opportunity to raise their voices to hold government to account for public services.
“This latest development risks setting back those important democratic gains with lasting implications for Myanmar’s journey to being an inclusive, democratic and accountable society.”