Myanmar's Pro-Democracy General Tin Oo, Co-Founder of NLD, Dies at 97

Tin Oo, a 97-year-old Myanmar general turned democracy activist and co-founder of the National League for Democracy (NLD), passed away on Saturday morning at a hospital in Yangon. His death marks the loss of a key figure in Myanmar's pro-democracy movement.

Tin Oo's death marks a significant loss for Myanmar's pro-democracy movement, which has been facing challenges since the 2021 coup. His legacy will be remembered, but his passing may also have implications for the country's political environment and the future of democracy in Myanmar.

Tin Oo rose to prominence being the commander of the army under former strongman Ne Win but was forced out in 1976 for allegedly withholding information over a failed coup plot. He later became a key figure in Myanmar's struggle for democracy, co-founding the NLD in 1988 alongside Aung San Suu Kyi following mass protests against the military junta.

Throughout his life, Tin Oo faced numerous incarcerations. He was detained by the military for over a decade following the 1988 protests. In 2003, he and Suu Kyi were arrested again after a pro-junta mob attacked their motorcade, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people. Despite these challenges, Tin Oo remained a steadfast advocate for democracy.

In 2017, Tin Oo suffered a stroke and then receded from the political arena as a result of old age and poor health. His passing comes at a time when the NLD faces significant challenges. The party has been targeted in the junta's crackdown on dissent following the 2021 coup, which saw the military overthrow the NLD-led government after its landslide election victory.

The junta dissolved the NLD in 2023 for failing to re-register under a new military-drafted electoral law, effectively removing it from upcoming polls. This dissolution has further complicated the political situation in Myanmar, which remains in turmoil since the coup.

Tin Oo's legacy as a pro-democracy activist and co-founder of the NLD will be remembered by many. He was a close confidante of Aung San Suu Kyi and played a vital role in the formation and leadership of the NLD. His contributions to Myanmar's democracy movement have left a lasting impact on the country's political history.

Born in 1927, Tin Oo joined the military after World War Two and eventually rose to the position of commander in chief. Despite being forced to retire and spending years in prison for his alleged involvement in a coup plot, he remained a popular figure among troops and the public.

Following his release in 2010, Tin Oo continued to support the NLD and its mission. He was instrumental in the party's success in the 2015 elections, which saw the NLD win by a landslide. Although he stepped back from active politics because of his health, his influence and dedication to democracy continued to inspire many.

Tin Oo's death is a significant loss for Myanmar's pro-democracy movement. His unwavering commitment to the cause and his partnership with Aung San Suu Kyi played a vital role in shaping the country's political framework. As Myanmar continues to traverse its complex political situation, Tin Oo's legacy will undoubtedly be remembered.

Key Takeaways

• Tin Oo, 97, co-founder of Myanmar's National League for Democracy (NLD), passed away.
• He was a key figure in Myanmar's pro-democracy movement, facing numerous incarcerations.
• Tin Oo co-founded NLD with Aung San Suu Kyi in 1988 after mass protests against the military junta.
• His legacy will be remembered, but his passing may impact Myanmar's political environment.
• Tin Oo's death comes at a time when the NLD faces significant challenges following the 2021 coup.