The early stages of Myanmar’s emergence from the bleak days of military rule counted among the most inspiring political transitions of recent times.

For good reason, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, political prisoner and torchbearer of the pro-democracy movement, drew comparisons with Mr Nelson Mandela.

When she sat in 2013 alongside her former military tormentors and called them members of one family, it was a gesture of reconciliation worthy of Mr Mandela — one followed by the release of political prisoners, the unmuzzling of the press and shoots of economic growth.

That a darker, difficult side to Myanmar’s transition is becoming more pronounced should come as no surprise.

South Africa, as with all states released from the grip of totalitarian rule, has experienced the dark side too.

The murder in Yangon of Mr Ko Ni, one of Myanmar’s most prominent Muslim voices and a legal adviser to Ms Suu Kyi, is ominous. The motive for this killing, the first of its kind since the transition began in 2011, remains unclear.

It was committed openly — outside the international airport — and comes against a backdrop of regional and religious tensions.

These have escalated following attacks on police bases in Rakhine State and a brutal military response against Rohingya villagers from the Muslim minority.

In the context of strong anti-Muslim sentiment, resurgent Buddhist nationalism and the proliferation of hate speech on social media, the murder could prove an incendiary event.

It looked to be a message — whether to Muslims; to Ms Suu Kyi, the de facto leader; or to her National League for Democracy (NLD).

It should serve as a reminder of the fragility of the gains made in Myanmar.

Ms Suu Kyi is in office but since the NLD romped to victory in elections more than a year ago, she has never quite held power.

The army still acts without constitutional accountability, as evidenced by the way it has shut off parts of Rakhine.

There are many other conflicts around the country. Knitting together the patchwork of ethnic nationalities was never going to be easy.

The new government is having to build a nation where in reality there was none.

It was inevitable that Ms Suu Kyi’s saintly image would be ruffled as she evolved from pro-democracy firebrand to political leader, while weaning the military from power.

Indeed she is coming in for growing criticism, including from former friends and fellow Nobel Laureates, for failing to hold the army to account.

The murder of one of her closest allies should serve as a wake-up call to all those in the wider world intent on fostering a sustainable peace. The transition is far from complete. As well as support in navigating this treacherous phase, vigilance is required.