In the days following Donald Trump’s presidency, some U.S. aid to Myanmar was temporarily suspended. According to U Ba Nyar, Deputy Secretary (2) of the Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State, this suspension has directly affected around 35,000 people across five townships in Karenni State—Loikaw, Hpruso, Demoso, Pekhon, and Maese.
“In terms of humanitarian aid, the IEC is not directly impacted regarding food supplies. However, the Early Warning Early Response (EWER) system has been affected. Some civil society organizations (CSOs) have also experienced budget cuts for humanitarian assistance, including both self-spending and cash support. We have been gathering data, and so far, we estimate that about 35,000 people across five townships have been affected,” U Ba Nyar explained.
Despite the suspension of some aid, efforts are being made from all sides to continue receiving international aid, especially humanitarian assistance, he added.
The Nway Oo Guru Lay Myar, a group actively involved in providing support to displaced people throughout the revolution, also reported increased difficulties due to the withdrawal of some partner organizations, according to Ko Tint, the group’s financial officer.
“Major parts of the assistance have stopped. Support for air defense initiatives has been suspended. Projects run by our partner organizations, such as underground bunkers in schools, have also stopped. Additionally, hospitals and clinics—our partner organizations were providing medicines, but all of that has stopped. Funding for healthcare professionals has also been cut off. While the situation hasn’t completely collapsed, it has become significantly more challenging for people,” Ko Tint stated.
Despite four years of resistance, the current difficulties should not dampen our spirits, U Ba Nyar emphasized. He claimed that all people must work together to strive to do their best.
“One sure thing is that we are striving to secure continued international humanitarian aid. Recently, we held discussions between the IEC and humanitarian organizations. Based on these talks, we are now working on a fundraising strategy. Even if we cannot recover the lost funds, we are committed to ensuring that food supplies remain sufficient. This is not just an IEC responsibility—it is a shared duty among all CSOs as well,” U Ba Nyar added.
On January 27, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) also temporarily suspended all healthcare services in refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. As a result, the patients have been discharged.
Due to ongoing armed conflict, Karenni State continues to experience widespread displacement, with approximately 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). While some IDPs manage to sustain themselves through farming and other livelihoods, they still face significant shortages of essential supplies, according to humanitarian aid workers.
