War-ravaged Myanmar witnessed a somber Christmas celebration within the Christian community this year, as they stood in solidarity with the numerous individuals displaced by the escalating internal conflict between the military junta and rebel forces. The military has held power since February 2, 2021, orchestrating the removal of the democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi and enforcing a harsh rule to quash any opposition.
In predominantly Christian regions such as Kachin, Kayah, Chin, and Karen states, festive celebrations have been subdued due to the ongoing fighting, preventing Christians from observing Christmas and New Year for the second consecutive year. The conflict has intensified over the past two months as the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising ethnic armed groups—the Liberation Army, the Arakan Army, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army—launched a significant offensive, expanding the battleground to various parts of Myanmar.
The United Nations reports that more than 660,000 people have been displaced since the military campaign began on October 27, bringing the total number of displaced individuals in Myanmar to a staggering 2.6 million. Twelve dioceses out of 16 in the nation have been directly affected by the conflict since the military coup in 2021.
Bishop Celso Ba Shwe of Loikaw, forced to flee the Bishop’s House in November, urged the local Catholic community not to be disheartened, emphasizing trust in God's will and encouraging solidarity among believers. Churches and convents in Lashio Diocese in Shan State have also suffered damage.
Simultaneously, the Rohingya crisis continues to unfold as the stateless Rohingya people, who fled Myanmar's Rakhine State during the military's "clearance operations" in 2016 and 2017, face heightened vulnerability. The 2021 military coup has further exacerbated their plight, with most seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh.
In a surprising turn, Indonesia, once known for providing a safe haven to Rohingya refugees, is now grappling with growing resentment in the province of Aceh. A recent surge in boat arrivals has triggered local unrest, culminating in a mob storming a community hall where Rohingya sought shelter. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, expressed deep concern over the incident.
Indonesia, responding to the rising hostility towards Rohingya refugees, has increased patrols in its waters, pushing back a boat carrying Rohingya refugees approaching the coast. President Joko Widodo's government has appealed to the international community for assistance and pledged to crackdown on suspected human traffickers involved in the recent wave of boat arrivals.