The results of the November election finally convinced the Tatmadaw chief he will never become president under the rules of the constitution, so he opted for force instead.
With the Tatmadaw chief reaching retirement age this year, some speculate that a fresh face could achieve a détente with the NLD – but the appointment process itself could hold the key to better civil-military relations.
A lull in fighting in Rakhine State should not be mistaken for a free and fair election environment, but the efforts of Japanese envoy Yohei Sasakawa towards supplementary elections may deliver other benefits.
Only when the Tatmadaw is brought under civilian control can the government address Rohingya citizenship claims. Until then, international pressure tactics won’t help. By SITHU.
