Birmanie, l’armée des ombres : le making of | ARTE Reportage

Summary

The video script details the experiences of journalists who illegally crossed into Myanmar after the February 2021 coup, which closed the country to foreign journalists. They joined rebel groups to document the ongoing civil war, witnessing daily civilian casualties and contested zones with active combat. The rebels, once civilians, have transformed into experienced soldiers, gaining territory and making significant advances against the military junta. The script highlights the resistance's self-reliance, as they lack official foreign support and instead rely on homemade weapons and guerrilla tactics. The war has evolved from a defensive to an offensive stance, with the resistance inspired by global events like the conflict in Ukraine. The journalists emphasize the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and distance when reporting within such a controlled environment. The narrative also touches on the sacrifices made by young people who have joined the resistance, leaving behind urban lives for the jungle, driven by a desire for the freedom and democracy they briefly experienced before the coup.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Since the coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been closed to foreign journalists, making it impossible to obtain visas and enter officially.
• 🛤️ Journalists have had to approach rebel groups and cross borders illegally to report from within Myanmar, often through Thailand.
• 💥 The situation in Myanmar is tense with a real war going on, resulting in thousands of deaths, including civilians, since the beginning of the conflict.
• 🔍 The reporter and their team experienced an attack shortly after entering Myanmar, highlighting the immediate and unpredictable danger of the conflict.
• 👥 The reporter was accompanied by Germain Balet, who co-signed the report, and they had access to resistance-controlled areas.
• 🛡️ The rebel group that the reporter joined had evolved from civilians to experienced soldiers capable of handling the realities of war.
• 🎯 The resistance in Myanmar has been adapting and learning from global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, to improve their tactics and technology.
• 🌐 The resistance relies on homemade weapons and improvised technology, including drones made from car parts, due to a lack of official support from foreign powers.
• 📉 Many of the resistance fighters are civilians who have given up their urban lives in cities like Yangon to join the fight for freedom.
• ⏳ The face of the war has changed since the coup, with the resistance moving from a defensive to an offensive stance, making significant territorial gains.
• 👣 The reporter's experience and the stories of the resistance fighters underscore the sacrifices made by those who have chosen to fight against the military junta to reclaim the democracy and freedom they briefly experienced.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, that led to the country being closed to foreign journalists?

A coup d'état took place in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, which resulted in the country being closed to foreign journalists.

How did the journalist manage to enter Myanmar unofficially?

The journalist entered Myanmar unofficially by approaching rebel groups and crossing the border illegally, with the help of guides who knew detours to avoid military checkpoints.

What was the situation like upon the journalist's clandestine return to Myanmar?

The situation was tense with an ongoing war, resulting in civilian casualties and daily deaths. It was a real war with several fronts across the country.

How did the rebels react when an attack occurred during the journalist's filming?

The rebels reacted quickly and with experience, having been through bombings before. They knew how to protect the journalists and get them out of the attacked area.

What has changed about the face of the war in Myanmar since the journalist's first visit 9 months prior?

The face of the war has changed from a defensive guerrilla warfare to an offensive where the rebel groups are gaining ground, capturing towns, villages, and military bases.

What kind of people make up the People's Defense Forces that the journalist was with?

The People's Defense Forces are made up of civilians who have become soldiers. They were previously students, engineers, and professionals from urban backgrounds.

How do the rebels manage to create their own weapons to fight against the regular army?

The rebels use their knowledge and skills to create their own weapons, often inspired by global events like the conflict in Ukraine. They custom-make drones and build bombs from car shock absorbers, learning from online resources like YouTube tutorials and internet forums.

What does the journalist suggest is the motivation behind the young people joining the resistance in Myanmar?

The young people are motivated to join the resistance because they want to reclaim the democracy and freedom that they briefly experienced and tasted before the coup d'état in 2021.

Why does the journalist feel it's important to return to Myanmar if the situation changes?

The journalist feels it's important to return to provide updated narratives and insights, especially if there are significant developments such as cities falling to the resistance or advances towards major urban centers like the capital, Naypyidaw, or the economic capital, Yangon.

What challenges do the rebels face in terms of logistics and daily life in the jungle?

The rebels face challenges such as lack of internet access, limited food resources, and a complete change from their previous urban lifestyles, including giving up their homes, families, and professions.

How does the journalist describe the rebels' attitude towards showing the realities of the conflict to outsiders?

The journalist suggests that while the rebels are willing to show certain aspects of the conflict, there is a need for journalists to maintain a critical distance and ensure they are not just seeing a curated perspective.

What is the journalist's view on the importance of preparation and negotiation before embarking on such a report?

The journalist emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and clear communication about the intended coverage to ensure access to a wide range of experiences and perspectives on the ground.