Myanmar has been shaped by fifty years of military dictatorship. The country was isolated and economically marginalized for far too long. After several popular uprisings, the government launched a cautious opening in 2012 and three years later, the first free elections were held – expectations and hopes were high. However, the transformation from dictatorship to democracy is presenting the multi-ethnic state with huge challenges. Over 130 ethnic groups with different languages, religions and traditions live within one national border and since the first free elections, the intensity of the conflicts has risen again.
How will the country move forward? What support are NGOs offering? How is religion influencing the conflicts in Myanmar? What role do the different languages play?
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Amélie Lustenberger, editor of KOFF Magazine
