Exiled Myanmar citizens, including those displaced to regions controlled by ethnic armed organizations and foreign countries during the military coup, have expressed distrust toward the military junta’s invitation to return to the country.
The military junta issued a statement on January 3, urging those displaced across the country to return to their homes for various reasons.
Following the military’s coup on February 1, 2021, students, youth, civil servants, and citizens reportedly fled to territories controlled by ethnic armed groups and foreign nations out of fear, according to the junta’s announcement.
“Since the invitation comes from them, there is no trust, and I don’t consider it a meaningful call. This is just another attempt by the military junta to sustain their power and benefit themselves by using the people. As for us, we will continue to resist them until we achieve a federal democracy and topple the dictatorship,” said a female CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) staff member currently in exile.
The military junta claimed that many displaced individuals wish to return home due to the lack of security and economic challenges in their current locations. However, an exiled revolutionary youth remarked that conditions are harsher within Myanmar.
“The situation now is evident to everyone. The military continues to raid houses, interrogate people, conduct forced recruitment drives, and enact oppressive laws. They intimidate and suppress us, causing widespread hardship. Because of this, people are fleeing abroad to seek employment and safety. Returning to Myanmar is simply impossible. This so-called invitation is utterly ridiculous,” he stated.
The military junta has also claimed that the exiles fled due to fear and coercion provoked by supporters of the NLD party, CRPH, and NUG, as well as other domestic and international individuals and organizations.
Excluding those accused of crimes, the council stated that exiles wishing to return can contact the nearest local, township, district, or regional administration councils. Those abroad can reach out to relevant embassies, military attaché offices, or consulates.
It is reported that many young people left Myanmar in 2024 due to the military’s conscription law. Similarly, in March 2023, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated at a military junta meeting in Naypyidaw that many exiled Myanmar citizens wished to return, and the government needed to facilitate their repatriation.
Likewise, in 2022, the military junta urged exiled Myanmar citizens to return, but with little response.
