Rising Tensions in Rakhine: Rohingya and Ethnic Conflict Civilian Threats
In Myanmar's Rakhine State, intensifying clashes and ethnic tensions between the military and the Arakan Army are increasing threats to the Rohingya community. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has called for urgent action to protect civilians and prevent a repeat of past atrocities.
The ongoing violent clashes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State between the military and the local militant group, the Arakan Army (AA), pose a serious threat to both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine communities, Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said today. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and more than 300,000 displaced as tensions have escalated across the state.
Resurgence of Conflict
Turk pointed out that clashes between the two ethnic groups have flared up again since an informal ceasefire that had been in place for the past year ended in November. While 15 of Rakhine’s 17 townships have been directly affected by the conflict, the situation has become even more dire in townships with large Rohingya populations, such as Buthidaung and Maungdaw.
“Rakhine State has turned into a war zone where various armed groups are active and unfortunately civilians are suffering the most. The Rohingya in particular have been targeted by both the military and the Arakan Army,” said Turk. “We must not allow another ethnic cleansing like in 2017.”
Civilian Casualties
The army is waging an aggressive campaign in northern and central Rakhine to gain the upper hand against the Arakan Army. This has led to intensified fighting, particularly in townships near Sittwe. Allegedly, as the army’s casualties have mounted, it has increased pressure on the Rohingya, trying to recruit them through forced recruitment or bribery.
Growing tensions between Rakhine villagers and Rohingya have led to acts of mutual violence. The situation is further complicated by ethnic Rakhine villagers attacking and burning houses in Rohingya villages and the Rohingya responding in kind.
Communication and Health Issues
Disinformation and propaganda are fueling the violence, while communication blackouts in the region make it difficult to access real information. Unsubstantiated claims that “Hindus and Buddhists are being taken hostage by Islamist terrorists” are exacerbating communal violence.
In mid-April, nearly 200 buildings were set on fire, including a Doctors Without Borders office and a pharmacy in Buthidaung. The closure of hospitals in Maungdaw and Buthidaung in March brought health services to a standstill as hundreds fled conflict zones.
Call for International Intervention
Türk called on the international community and the government of Myanmar to protect civilians in Rakhine State and urgent action to prevent a repeat of the persecution of the Rohingya. “Everyone needs to be sensitive to prevent the horrific events of the past from happening again. The international community must use its influence on the Myanmar military and related armed groups to bring an end to this humanitarian crisis,” he said.
The situation in Rakhine has evolved from a local problem into an international crisis. The humanitarian tragedy of the Rohingya community caught in the middle of ethnic conflict is unfolding before the eyes of the world. In this conflict, concrete action, both locally and internationally, can save many innocent lives.
