BUILDING A STATE

Myanmar (2024)

Since the February 2021 coup, the Burmese junta has waged brutal repression, killing an estimated 50,000. Despite this, resistance forces in Karenni state have gained ground, trying today to build a semblance of a state. Police patrol liberated areas, medical clinics treat the displaced, and a justice system is being established. A hidden university offers education to displaced students, others train as soldiers.

A new society is emerging in the midst of conflict.

Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) soldiers at a group base in Karenni state, Myanmar.

Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) soldiers at a group base in Karenni state, Myanmar.

Patrick (lying down) receives treatment in a room at O1 Hospital, a medical clinic hidden in the outskirts of Demoso, in an area controlled by the rebellion against the military junta. Already the victim of an artillery shelling that cost him his lef

Patrick (lying down) receives treatment in a room at O1 Hospital, a medical clinic hidden in the outskirts of Demoso, in an area controlled by the rebellion against the military junta. Already the victim of an artillery shelling that cost him his left leg in 2022, Patrick was this time the victim of an airstrike by the Burmese army. Demoso.

University of Social Sciences, hidden in a forest in Hpruso Township, in an area under rebel-control, western Karenni State.

University of Social Sciences, hidden in a forest in Hpruso Township, in an area under rebel-control, western Karenni State.

A Karenni Police (KSP) officer guards the jail at Police Station 8 in Pekon (or Pekhon) Township, Shan State.

A Karenni Police (KSP) officer guards the jail at Police Station 8 in Pekon (or Pekhon) Township, Shan State.

Training of new recruits to the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) at a group base in Karenni State. The ruling junta's introduction of conscription for young Burmese men has pushed many of them to swell the ranks of the country's rebel force

Training of new recruits to the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) at a group base in Karenni State. The ruling junta's introduction of conscription for young Burmese men has pushed many of them to swell the ranks of the country's rebel forces.

Young Karenni police recruits leave the training ground for Karenni State Police (KSP) Station 8 in Pekon (or Pekhon) Township, Shan State.

Young Karenni police recruits leave the training ground for Karenni State Police (KSP) Station 8 in Pekon (or Pekhon) Township, Shan State.

A scale tattooed on the right arm of Judge Saw Day, a former rebel soldier turned-judge. Karenni State Police Station 9, on the outskirts of Demoso, Karenni State, Myanmar.

A scale tattooed on the right arm of Judge Saw Day, a former rebel soldier turned-judge. Karenni State Police Station 9, on the outskirts of Demoso, Karenni State, Myanmar.

Naw Shar Pha Htoo, a mathematics teacher at Daw Si Ei village school, now teaches her pupils in her own home following the bombing of the school in February 2024 by the Burmese army, in which four children were killed.

Naw Shar Pha Htoo, a mathematics teacher at Daw Si Ei village school, now teaches her pupils in her own home following the bombing of the school in February 2024 by the Burmese army, in which four children were killed.

A young soldier of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) on the road between Demoso and Mese, Karenni State, Myanmar.

A young soldier of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) on the road between Demoso and Mese, Karenni State, Myanmar.

Mya Le Gone IDP camp in Demoso Township. It is estimated that 80% of the Karenni State’s 300 000 population are currently displaced from their homes due to the conflict and are staying temporarily in IDP camps. May 18, 2024, Karenni State, Myanmar.

Mya Le Gone IDP camp in Demoso Township. It is estimated that 80% of the Karenni State’s 300 000 population are currently displaced from their homes due to the conflict and are staying temporarily in IDP camps. May 18, 2024, Karenni State, Myanmar.