The Arakan people say that in the territories controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), the governance system of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government is being implemented. They also state that efforts are being made to ensure the security of the Arakan people and to support reconstruction initiatives.

They emphasize that international assistance is needed for these reconstruction efforts and that humanitarian aid organizations should take responsibility in response to the invitation extended by the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.

Additionally, the Arakan people believe that the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government should give more recognition and space to civil society organizations. They emphasize that these organizations should be acknowledged and granted the rights to operate freely.

They state that such collaboration will contribute to the reconstruction of Arakan, as well as support the livelihoods, healthcare, and education of the Arakan people.

A community leader from the Thet ethnic group in Maungdaw Township told Border News Agency that if the international community genuinely wishes to help the entire Arakan population in distress, it would be beneficial for them to provide as much assistance as possible. He stated that the people are facing numerous hardships and emphasized that international organizations should take action beyond just maintaining a neutral stance. At the very least, he suggested that providing support for education, healthcare, and food supplies—similar to the World Food Programme (WFP) model—could be a meaningful way to assist the people.

Since the start of the decisive war in Arakan, the Myanmar junta has blocked and restricted all land and water routes in the region. Additionally, it has prevented international humanitarian aid organizations from providing assistance.

As a result, the Arakan people, including internally displaced persons, are facing severe challenges in terms of food, livelihood, healthcare, and security, according to local residents.

Although some local civil society organizations are providing assistance to address these challenges, they are becoming increasingly strained on the ground. Additionally, international humanitarian aid organizations have yet to be present, according to the Arakan people.

They emphasize that international humanitarian organizations are urgently needed, not only for immediate relief but also for the long-term reconstruction of Arakan and the well-being of its people.

A local elder from Maungdaw told Border News Agency, “So far, the ULA/AA government has not visibly collaborated with any organizations to shape the future of Rakhine State. Similarly, international organizations do not yet have confidence in the revolutionary government. It’s unclear whether this is because Rakhine has not yet become an independent state. However, looking back at the past, even during the military regime, while the government had its own health department, survival depended largely on international aid. This is the reality we experienced firsthand in Maungdaw and Buthidaung.”

Although reconstruction efforts are underway in territories controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), and Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Offices (HDCO) have been established, the Arakan people say there is still a significant need for humanitarian aid.

The Arakan people state that the Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Office (HDCO) is led by Twan Morn Naing, the elder brother of Arakan Army (AA) Commander-in-Chief General Twan Mrat Naing. Under his leadership, the HDCO is working in collaboration with international humanitarian organizations, foreign embassies, and civil society groups.

Therefore, the Arakan people believe that the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government should create opportunities for greater collaboration with civil society organizations and international humanitarian aid groups while ensuring their protection and support.

An Arakan resident told Border News Agency, “International organizations can come from anywhere, and both the junta’s military government and ULA/AA have granted permission. However, those who are supposed to come seem to be hesitating, weighing security concerns and political considerations—whether it is good to engage or not. Meanwhile, the people are struggling and suffering. If aid organizations could step in decisively, it would make a real difference. But those who plan to come are filled with uncertainty, while the people on the ground are facing hunger and extreme hardships, surviving by paying exorbitant prices for basic necessities.”

The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government reports that in the forests and mountains where Myanmar junta forces have been stationed for many years, landmines and leftover military equipment are still present.

As a result, local residents, who rely on the forest and nature for their livelihoods, are navigating these areas under constant danger, struggling to survive amidst these risks, according to the Arakan people.

The Arakan people report that the remote villages in the region face significant challenges in accessing healthcare due to their isolation and difficult transportation conditions.

As a result, they stress the urgent need for international humanitarian assistance and support from civil society organizations to address these critical gaps and provide the necessary aid to the population.

Civil society organizations report that there is a pressing need for international humanitarian assistance to address the basic needs of the Arakan people, including food, shelter, healthcare, education, transportation, and livelihood opportunities. These efforts are crucial in alleviating the hardships faced by the population.

International humanitarian aid organizations and civil society groups highlight the need for responsibility and accountability from the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government in facilitating their support. They emphasize the importance of effective communication, including phone lines and internet access, to enable coordination and collaboration between the government and these organizations to provide assistance to the people.

U Maung Maung Kyi stated to the Border News Agency, “I believe that the governing body of ULA/AA holds full responsibility for enhancing the rights of the existing CSOs in Rakhine. Furthermore, I think they should be allowed the freedom to express themselves and the freedom of movement.”

During the final stages of the war in Rakhine, the Arakan Army has completely seized control of several areas, including Paletwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathetaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Minbrar, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa townships.

The remaining areas under contention for the Arakan Army to fully seize control include Sittwe, Kyaukphru, and Man Aung townships. In these townships, heightened military tensions have been reported, and according to the people of Rakhine, the Myanmar junta is intentionally targeting civilian areas with heavy artillery.

As a result, the people of Rakhine are facing significant challenges, including fleeing their homes, suffering casualties, being unjustly arrested, facing legal charges, and witnessing their homes burned down daily. According to the Rakhine people, these are the ongoing realities they encounter.

The Arakan Army has successfully taken control of the Arakan-Magway border, Arakan-Bago border, and Arakan-Ayeyarwady border areas. Furthermore, they have also fully secured the Arakan-India and Arakan-Bangladesh borders.

The people of Rakhine have stated that although international humanitarian aid could be delivered through these border areas, organizations such as the United Nations and other international humanitarian groups remain silent and have not provided the necessary assistance.