Amid the chaos and turmoil in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021, the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, sheds light on the plight of tens of thousands of people who are fleeing the conflict. Many are hiding in the jungle or seeking refuge across borders, desperate for safety and work as migrant laborers. Despite the lack of any visible signs of mediation, Cardinal Bo emphasizes that the people’s faith remains unwavering.
By Antonella Palermo and Linda Bordoni
Since the coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Myanmar has been engulfed in violence and turmoil. Speaking to Vatican Media, Cardinal Bo expressed deep concern over the estimated 40,000 migrants on the move in search of a safe haven.
“People are forced to hide in the jungles,” Cardinal Bo reveals, “Many young individuals are compelled to seek work abroad due to the dire situation in the country.”
The conflict involving the military, insurgents, and the People’s Defense Force shows no signs of subsiding, leaving the situation fraught with uncertainty. Cardinal Bo acknowledges the unpredictability of the future, stating, “It’s hard to know what will happen next.”
ASEAN Summit in Laos
Efforts to address the conflict have extended to international forums, such as the recent ASEAN Summit held in Laos, where member countries convened to seek solutions to the crisis in Myanmar. Despite these endeavors, Cardinal Bo laments the lack of progress towards peace.
“Both sides were urged to cease hostilities, but on the ground, skirmishes persist with insurgents fortifying positions and the military resorting to air strikes. It’s a complex and challenging situation,” he asserts.
Pope’s tireless appeals
Cardinal Bo praises Pope Francis for his unwavering commitment to drawing attention to the plight of Myanmar, frequently mentioning the country in his Angelus messages. The Cardinal echoes the Pope’s calls for dialogue and reconciliation, stressing the importance of all parties coming to the table for peace.
When discussing reported peace talk initiatives by the military junta, Cardinal Bo acknowledges the trust issues between the conflicting parties but remains hopeful, “Despite the ongoing conflict, we hold steadfast in our belief that peace is achievable.”
The faith is strong
Amidst the turmoil, Cardinal Bo commends the resilience of the people’s faith, noting their remarkable ability to hold onto their beliefs despite the adversities they face. “Even in the midst of hardships and displacement, many ethnic groups continue to seek solace in prayer and maintain their faith,” he remarks.
In conclusion, Cardinal Bo emphasizes the importance of retaining hope and faith, “We must not lose hope. Peace is attainable, and dialogue is the key to achieving it.” Let us continue to pray for peace and solidarity in Myanmar during these challenging times.
