Myanmar’s government, which is dominated by the military, has issued a rare plea for international aid following a devastating earthquake that struck the country. However, Myanmar’s long history of isolation and internal instability will likely complicate the global humanitarian response.
The country has been under various sanctions from Western nations for decades, with the most recent being imposed in 2021 after a military coup. Despite these sanctions having carve-outs for humanitarian aid, major logistical challenges remain in delivering aid to those in need, particularly in areas affected by civil war.
Security and safety concerns for international aid workers, as well as potential obstacles from the military in reaching rebel-held areas, pose significant challenges to the efficient distribution of aid. The military may also attempt to control the delivery of assistance and prioritize areas under their control over opposition-held regions.
Previous experiences in repressive regimes, like Syria under Bashar al-Assad, highlight the difficulties in ensuring that aid reaches all affected populations. Transferring funds into Myanmar and the logistics of distributing supplies to the right areas are also significant hurdles.
Experts warn that the delivery of humanitarian aid in Myanmar will be complex given the country’s isolation from the West and potential lack of international donors. The extent of assistance from the U.S. government, which has previously had hostile views towards foreign aid programs, remains unclear.
Overall, the challenging political and logistical landscape in Myanmar is expected to hinder the effective delivery of international humanitarian aid in the aftermath of the earthquake.
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