A UN expert says Myanmar's illicit economy is now driving the war

A new report by a UN independent expert says Myanmar's formal economy is shrinking under war and mismanagement while scam centres, illegal mining, trafficking and forced labour fill the gap, turning from consequences of conflict into sources of finance that sustain it. The report records at least 8,384 civilians killed by the military since the 2021 coup through September 15, 2026. During a declared 100-day peace plan, about 753 civilians were killed, with the military and paramilitary forces attributed responsibility for 89% of deaths. Telecommunications blackouts, checkpoints and movement restrictions also obstruct aid. These figures and allegations come from a UN Special Rapporteur investigation and require continuing documentation, judicial scrutiny and responses from the parties.