The Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of most townships, and as a result, the Myanmar junta was only able to collect around 14% of the population’s census data in Rakhine State, as stated in a December 31 press release.
In Rakhine State, the total population is over 2.4 million (2,466,385), and of that, only over 345,000 (345,431) individuals were able to be included in the census, as noted in the statement.
The census data collected, amounting to over 345,000 individuals, comes only from areas under the junta’s control, including Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Maungdaw townships. Despite Sittwe Township having a total population of over 275,000 (275,057), more than 34,000 (34,298) individuals were not included in the census, as noted in the report.
In Manaung Township, the total population is over 50,000 (50,680), and it was reported that no individuals were excluded from the census.
In Kyaukphru Township, the total population is over 92,000 (92,276). However, it was reported that more than 65,000 (65,192) individuals were not included in the census.
In townships fully controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), including Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbrar, Myaybon, Ponnakyun, Rambre, Thandwe, Tounggoke, and Ann, the Myanmar junta was unable to conduct a population census. Instead, it only provided an estimated population count for these areas.
The total population in these areas amounts to over 2.1 million (2,120,954), which the Myanmar junta was unable to include in the census. This accounts for 84% of the total population in Rakhine State, which is over 2.4 million (2,466,385).
According to the junta’s report, over 2.1 million people (2,120,954) are those residing in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, as well as individuals who have relocated to other regions.
In the decisive Arakan war, the Arakan Army is reportedly establishing administrative mechanisms under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government in the territories they have seized and are currently controlling, according to local residents.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government claims that there are over 600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the areas under their control. However, local residents estimate that nearly three million people are experiencing the impacts of the conflict.
