Today marks the 77th anniversary of anti-fascist resistance day, where the people of Myanmar joined people all over the world to stand up to fascism. The military calls the day Armed Forces Day and celebrates it with a military parade. It is so disheartening and sad to see an institution that kills its own people celebrate itself on this day.

Exactly one year ago today, the Tatmadaw, the fascist forces, killed more than 100 unarmed civilians during brutal crackdowns across Myanmar. Of these, 11 were children. That was the day of terror that people of Myanmar will never forgive or forget. On that day, the Tatmadaw or national armed forces died as a national institution and forever fell from the hearts and minds and respect of the people of Myanmar. Although it must be said that tragically, this massacre was not a surprise for an institution that has been killing ethnic minorities such as the Rohingya people for decades.

Together with our brothers and sisters, people of different ethnic groups, races and religions, the people of Myanmar once again need to unite against fascist forces and show our resistance. We must stay united and fight until we can rip out the military and their fascism root and stem. Together with the souls of our lost heroes, we will fight to the bitter end and I believe we will achieve the future Myanmar where true federal democracy awaits us.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations