BLOG

The release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, after 15 years of house arrest, is a thrilling moment for the people of Burma and welcomed by Refugees International as long overdue. She remains wildly popular both at home and abroad despite her long isolation. However, her popularity will not automatically allow her to catalyze political change, as that will be determined by the repressive regime.

Daw Suu, as she is called by her supporters, has set an ambitious agenda to tackle national reconciliation and unity among Burma’s numerous ethnic groups. Continuing clashes in eastern Burma and escalating tensions with a number of armed ethnic groups starkly highlights the importance of this goal.

Without the pressure of regional actors, the regime is unlikely to tackle the complex, underlying issues which has long fragmented the country. Neighboring states must push the regime to find other options instead of resorting to continued violence and repression. Yet while western countries -- as well as India and Thailand -- have heralded the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, China, its biggest investor and political ally, remains conspicuously silent.

Further, over 2,200 political prisoners remain in jail but the regime has made no moves towards granting them amnesty. Many continue to fear for Daw Suu’s safety, recalling the regime-backed thugs who violently attacked her and her supporters in Depayin in 2003.

While Daw Suu’s release presents a moment of hope and joy for the people of Burma, regional actors must step up pressure on the regime to ensure that her release and ability to unify Burma’s diverse political and ethnic groups leads to a sustained and meaningful dialogue towards reconciliation.