(S2 Ep.25) The Saffron Revolution

A Tale of Hope, Struggle, and the Pursuit of Democracy in Myanmar

TheGentleLaw Community

In September 2007, Myanmar (formerly Burma) witnessed a powerful movement that would come to be known as the Saffron Revolution. This wave of protests, largely led by Buddhist monks and supported by the general public, represented a pivotal moment in the country’s struggle for democracy and human rights. It is a story that still resonates today, as it encapsulates themes of resistance, faith, and the yearning for a just society.

Myanmar, under the rule of the military junta, was suffering from decades of authoritarianism. The country's political landscape had been dominated by military rule since 1962, which led to widespread poverty, repression, and isolation from the rest of the world. By 2007, economic hardship had reached critical levels, with soaring fuel prices, inflation, and widespread poverty affecting ordinary citizens. It was against this backdrop of hardship that the Saffron Revolution would begin.

The protests initially emerged in response to the government's decision to remove fuel subsidies, which had led to sharp price increases. This economic strain created widespread discontent among the general population. However, what set the 2007 protests apart was the involvement of Myanmar’s Buddhist monks.

Monks Take the Lead

Buddhism plays a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of Myanmar. The monks, revered as moral guides and leaders within society, held significant sway over public opinion. In August 2007, monks began to protest against the government's decision to raise fuel prices. These protests were initially small but quickly gained momentum as monks across the country began to march in solidarity. Their saffron-colored robes, a symbol of their Buddhist faith, became a powerful image of resistance.

The monk-led protests were met with increasing violence from the military government, but the monks' resolve only grew stronger. Their peaceful demonstrations, coupled with the deep moral authority they commanded, sparked a broader movement. Soon, thousands of ordinary citizens joined in, voicing their anger not only at the rising fuel costs but also at the military dictatorship and the oppression it had inflicted on the people for decades.

The Power of Nonviolent Resistance

The Saffron Revolution was notable not only for the role that Buddhist monks played but also for the widespread use of nonviolent resistance. Monks and civilians alike risked their lives to demand an end to military rule, with peaceful marches and protests sweeping across the country.

In September 2007, as the movement gathered steam, the protests reached a climax in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Myanmar’s largest city. At the height of the demonstrations, an estimated 100,000 people were participating in the marches. The peaceful nature of the protests was crucial, as it garnered widespread international attention and sympathy. The monks, despite facing brutal military crackdowns, refused to resort to violence, emphasizing the power of peaceful resistance.

However, the government was unwilling to let the protests continue without a harsh response. Security forces began to use violent tactics, including shooting at protesters, arresting hundreds, and imposing curfews. Despite the military’s efforts to suppress the movement, the protests continued for several weeks. The government’s brutality only fueled the resolve of the demonstrators, both in Myanmar and around the world.