Myanmar's online community flared up after the U.S. issued a statement on Myanmar's Independence Day. Netizens flocked to comment, urging the Trump administration to prosecute dictator Min Aung Hlaing, similar to the case of Venezuela's leader Nicolás Maduro.
On 6 January 2025, the Irrawaddy news website reported that the Facebook page of the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, published a statement from the U.S. Department of State marking Myanmar's Independence Day on 4 January 2025. In the statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over the crisis in Myanmar and reaffirmed the U.S.'s solidarity with the Myanmar people. He called on the military to end violence, allow humanitarian aid, release detainees held unjustly, and enter into negotiations to peacefully and sustainably resolve the crisis.
However, many Myanmar citizens both inside and outside the country responded with numerous comments, mostly viewing the statement as "insufficient words". They urged the U.S. government to take concrete actions against General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar's military government, such as arresting and prosecuting him in the U.S. Many cited the recent U.S. military operation against Caracas, Venezuela, last Saturday, where President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were arrested and taken to New York for prosecution.
Reports stated that within hours after the U.S. Embassy's post was published, over 4,700 comments poured in. Approximately 90% called for the U.S. to adopt a tough stance against Myanmar's military government similar to its approach toward Venezuela.
Netizens noted that Myanmar's people have always appreciated the U.S., but the military government ignores their voices. One comment stated, "Please arrest the drug gang leader and scammer Min Aung Hlaing as well." Several internet users said Myanmar's Independence Day cannot have meaning as long as the country remains under military dictatorship and its citizens continue to be killed, arrested, and oppressed.
Analysts indicate that these calls reflect the deep frustration of Myanmar's people, with social media becoming one of the last avenues to seek international protection. Although many acknowledge that direct U.S. intervention is unlikely due to international law constraints and geopolitical considerations.
Source: Irrawaddy