Myanmar Junta Systematically Removes Aung San Statues Amid Political Tensions
Myanmar's military-backed authorities are removing statues of independence hero Aung San, sparking concerns over erasing his legacy and undermining the legitimacy of the ousted government.
POLICY WIRE — Yangon, Myanmar — Across Myanmar, statues of revered independence hero Aung San are systematically being removed. Military-backed authorities claim the removals are due to “incorrect proportions and shapes.” However, analysts suggest a deliberate attempt to erase Aung San’s presence from public life, thereby undermining the legitimacy of the elected government the junta overthrew.
Aung San, widely considered the country’s founding father, established its military, united its diverse ethnic groups, and led the nationalist movement that ultimately secured independence. His legacy remains a potent symbol of national unity — and democratic governance.
The junta’s actions follow the February 2021 coup, which deposed the democratically elected government led by Aung San’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, the military has sought to consolidate power — and rewrite the nation’s historical narrative.
Local residents — and international observers have expressed alarm over the removal of Aung San’s statues. “This is an attempt to erase our history and silence our voices,” said a Yangon-based historian who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “Aung San’s legacy is inseparable from our national identity.”
The military hasn’t provided detailed explanations for the removals beyond the cited issues with the statues’ proportions and shapes. However, the timing — and manner of the removals have fueled speculation about their true intent.
International reactions have been swift. The United Nations and several Western governments have condemned the junta’s actions, calling for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. “The removal of these statues is a clear attempt to distort history and undermine democratic values,” said a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office.
As the junta continues to tighten its grip on power, the removal of Aung San’s statues serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and historical memory in Myanmar.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)