Political analysts say the military junta continues to carry out violence against civilians on a daily basis despite attempting to present itself as a civilian government.
The military junta, which seized state power from the civilian government on February 1, 2021, has begun portraying itself as a civilian-style administration five years after the coup by removing military uniforms and adopting a civilian appearance.
Political analyst Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw said the move was only a change in appearance aimed at prolonging the military dictatorship, adding that previous military rulers had followed the same pattern.
“Their fundamental objective has not changed. Only the appearance has changed. Military dictatorships have always operated this way. During General Ne Win’s era, he also changed his image and became President U Ne Win. They called for peace and encouraged people to come out openly, but once people did, they arrested and imprisoned them. Their goal has always been the same — to ensure the long-term survival of the military dictatorship. Nothing has changed. In fact, they may do even more. Some are even saying that if groups do not attend the peace talks they are calling for, they will continue bombing them. So this will continue,” he said.
Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw also said the group led by Min Aung Hlaing had announced a 100-day peace plan in an attempt to gain support from the public and international organizations, while at the same time carrying out airstrikes and artillery attacks to rule through fear.
He said the military junta had intensified aerial offensives in Rakhine, Chin, Karen, Mon, and Tanintharyi regions after fighting between revolutionary forces in northern Shan State and the military junta decreased following mediation efforts by China.
U Myo Kyaw, spokesperson for the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), said Min Aung Hlaing was attempting to portray himself as the country’s leader through the 100-day peace plan while pressuring revolutionary groups.
“He wants to show that he is the political leader and head of the country, and that the country is stable and peaceful under his leadership. But the country is currently facing civil war. The military junta led by Min Aung Hlaing is killing civilians. They are now trying to calm the situation by using the word ‘peace.’ Under the 100-day plan, they have announced ceasefire and peace initiatives. I see this as pressure directed at revolutionary groups in different regions” he said.
According to data collected by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), at least 237 people, including 115 women and 122 men, were confirmed killed in military junta airstrikes across the country between January 1 and April 22, 2026.
The figures included 42 children under the age of 18, according to AAPP.
Similarly, from January 1 to April 23, 2026, a total of 37 people — including 21 women and 16 men — were reportedly killed in artillery attacks carried out by the military junta across the country.
