Political situation in Myanmar

Thaung, 45: "There will only be death left here"

A crowd of grieving families clasp their hands and bow in silence in a monastery hall in central Magway. They have recently lost loved ones in the civil war in Myanmar, which has now claimed the lives of over 100,000 people, writes AFP.

Since the military coup in February 2021, the ruling military junta and armed resistance groups have attacked each other, but have also committed abuses against civilians.

Thaung Sein tells the news agency that her son was killed after the family was recently displaced from their home by the military. People are being killed indiscriminately and ruthlessly, says the 45-year-old. If the youngest generation is allowed to grow up, there is still a chance for a better future in Myanmar, she continues.

- But if things continue like this, there will be nothing left but death.

Over 100,000 killed since coup in Myanmar 2021

At least 100,114 people have been killed in the civil war in Myanmar that was triggered by the military coup in February 2021. This is according to AFP, citing the independent American organization Acled, Armed conflict location and event data.

Since the coup – in which the elected leader and peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown – both the ruling military junta and armed resistance groups have committed abuses against civilians.

Just over five years into the war, the junta seems to have the upper hand. At the same time, rebel groups continue to patrol several cities, a sign that more violence is to be expected, writes AFP.