Myanmar Junta Issues Directive for Civil Servant Return Amidst Persistent Civil Disobedience

In a strategic move to consolidate administrative control, Myanmar's military junta has formally called for the return of civil servants who abandoned their posts following the February 2021 coup. This directive targets tens of thousands of public workers, including critical medical personnel and government administrators, who participated in widespread civil disobedience campaigns. The junta's appeal underscores its ongoing struggle to restore bureaucratic functionality and legitimize its authority amid persistent resistance. Analysis indicates this effort aims to weaken the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), which has severely disrupted public services and challenged the regime's governance capabilities. However, the response from protesting workers remains uncertain, with many likely to resist due to safety concerns and ideological opposition. This development highlights the junta's precarious position: while seeking to project normalcy, it continues to face deep-seated societal defiance that undermines its operational stability. The situation reflects broader tensions in Myanmar's political landscape, where military control clashes with sustained civilian opposition, complicating any prospects for near-term resolution.