Written By Lin Khine
The Arakan Army (AA), which has declared its intention to take full control of the entire Arakan region, is now in control of 15 townships, including Paletwa Township, and has begun establishing its administrative functions.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has been formed, and administrative mechanisms are being implemented. These include judicial systems, tax collection, municipal development, road and bridge construction, education, healthcare, and other public service operations.
The Arakan Army (AA), which claims to be fighting for the eradication of dictatorship, the emergence of a federal democratic system, and the right to self-determination, has not yet clearly announced the exact system of governance it intends to implement in Arakan.
However, General Twan Mrat Naing, the commander-in-chief of the Arakan Army (AA) and also the leader of the United League of Arakan (ULA), stated in an interview with The Diplomat in late 2024 that initially, they would establish a centralized government. Over time, depending on capabilities and responsibilities, power would be gradually delegated to different levels of administration.
According to the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), careful attention is needed when implementing governance mechanisms in Arakan, a region home to a diverse and complex population of various ethnic and religious groups.
Regardless of the system of governance adopted, it is essential to ensure that all ethnicities and religions within Arakan are granted equal fundamental rights. Analysts and local residents have pointed out that if any group is discriminated against or excluded, it could lead to unrest and potential conflict.
The current governing model of the ULA/AA
The Arakan Army (AA), an armed group established in 2009, is organized under its political wing called the United League of Arakan (ULA).
Both the armed force (AA) and the political organization (ULA) are led by General Twan Mrat Naing. The ULA is structured with a General Secretary and political officers assigned to various regions, while the AA is organized with military commanders in charge of different operational zones.
The current governance system within Arakan is structured according to military administrative zones, where officials such as military zone commanders, political officers, township administrators, district administrators, area administrators, and village-level chiefs (administrative heads) have been appointed. These officials are overseeing and managing the administrative functions.
Judicial matters, tax collection, and other administrative duties are also being carried out through this tiered chain of command.
At the top of this administrative structure is the United League of Arakan (ULA), which serves as the highest authority. According to locals, mechanisms have also been put in place for the public to file complaints if they are dissatisfied with the actions of appointed officials. In such cases, investigations and appropriate actions are reportedly carried out.
Ethnic groups that have faced generations of oppression
In Arakan, a region with a population of around three million, various ethnic groups such as Rakhine, Khami, Mro, Maramagyi, Kaman, Thet, Daingnet, and others, as well as Muslims, Hindus, and Chin people, live together.
These groups have consistently faced denial of equal rights under both successive military regimes and civilian democratic governments.
The Rakhine people, as an ethnic group within Arakan, have also faced marginalization in various sectors when compared to other regions of the country.
Ethnic groups such as Hindus, Kaman, Maramagyi and Muslims have been deprived of basic rights such as access to development, education, healthcare, and even the fundamental human right to freedom of movement.
Within Arakan, these communities, including Hindus, Kaman, Maramagyi and Muslims were confined to refugee camps for over a decade under successive governments, enduring severe hardships and restrictions on their freedom.
Not only were they denied the right to travel outside of Arakan or to other regions of the country, but even within Arakan, people had to repeatedly request permission from the authorities just to move between villages, go to the nearest township, or visit a clinic.
A Muslim from Buthidaung Township mentioned to the Border News Agency, “Under both the NLD government and the military regime, it was the same. Under the military, it was even worse.”
Ethnic groups such as Mro, Kaman, Thet, and Daingnet, living in remote areas far from urban centers, have also faced discrimination and marginalization in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They have lived with limited opportunities and low standards of living, and many villages still lack basic services like clinics and schools.
What has changed under the ULA/AA leadership?
Under the leadership of the ULA/AA, known as the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government, it is reported that minority groups and all residents within the region have gained more rights compared to before.
One notable change is the freedom of movement within the territories controlled by the Arakan Army. Muslims, in particular, have stated that they now have the right to travel freely.
A Muslim elder from Myaybon Township shared, “Now, we can go all the way to Ann Township. All we need is a letter of approval.”
A young Kaman from Kyaukphru Township also mentioned that the ULA/AA has been helping Kaman people who have fled from areas controlled by the military junta, and that Rakhine people have welcomed this support.
He shared, “I fled because I didn’t want to be part of the military junta, and the AA has helped all of us. But the junta chased and captured us.” This was stated by a person from the Kyaukphru’s Kyauktalone refugee camp who sought refuge under ULA/AA protection.
In addition, Muslims, who previously had no access to areas predominantly inhabited by Rakhine people, such as townships and villages, now report that they can freely travel to these areas.
At the checkpoints, cargo ports, and other locations controlled by the Arakan Army, Muslims are now seen working alongside Rakhine laborers.
Moreover, scenes of Muslim women peacefully selling vegetables, meat, and fish in local markets places they had been barred from for over a decade—have become increasingly common.
“Now we can even enter the towns with just a word from the (AA) commander. In the past, we were mistreated just for being Muslim. But now, all of that has disappeared,” said a Muslim elder from Kyauktaw Township.
In addition, Muslim business owners are now reportedly able to travel freely across Arakan State and engage in trade, commerce, and other business activities without restriction.
“We buy cattle from Rakhine villages and then sell cooking oil. In the past, we didn’t dare go to Rakhine villages to buy cattle. But now, we can go peacefully,” said a Muslim businessman from Pauktaw Township.
Moreover, ethnic groups such as the Mro, Khami, Thet, Daingnet, and Chin communities living inside Arakan State say they are now experiencing greater rights and attention compared to previous administrations.
They said that although they do not receive prominent or visible rights like the Muslims, they are being organized and engaged through the formation of ethnic affairs committees and community outreach efforts.
“We are receiving more attention than before. You could say we are now recognized. There’s no discrimination. We’re even being given responsibilities in administration,” said a Chin youth from Myaybon Township.
Ethnic minorities and local residents in Arakan say they are beginning to see signs that they may gain access to rights they were previously denied under former governments.
ULA/AA leader Major General Twan Mrat Naing has publicly stated in interviews and speeches that all people living in Arakan will be governed with equality and fairness. This principle has also been emphasized in official statements.
Additionally, locals say that the formation of ethnic affairs committees and administrative departments at the township level is already underway. Staff are being appointed, and on-the-ground mobilization efforts are actively being carried out across the region.
“They’ve been carrying out mobilization efforts since the beginning going into Chin villages, Muslim villages, all of them,” said an official from the Department of Ethnic Affairs under the Arakan People’s Government.
They say that under the Arakan People’s Government, ethnic affairs committees have been established and are working to support the rights of ethnic minorities.
In addition, Muslims who practice Islam also report that specific committees have been formed to address their fundamental rights, including issues related to ethnicity and religion.
“In terms of rhetoric, it seems promising. People don’t even use the word ‘Kala’ anymore—they say ‘Muslim’ now. Even the way they initiate things sounds pleasant to the ear. I believe it will continue like this moving forward,” said a Muslim resident from Minbra Township.
U Hla Htun Kyaw, a prominent leader of the Thet ethnic group and former member of the People’s Parliament, also stated that, under the current circumstances, there has been no visible discrimination against Muslims, Chin, or other minority groups.
“Since the administrative mechanisms are not yet fully established, we haven’t seen any instances of discrimination. Every official statement declares that all ethnic groups should be entitled to equal rights, so I believe that will continue going forward,” said U Hla Htun Kyaw.
Equal rights are needed for the long term
ULA/AA leaders have stated in their statements that all ethnic groups in Arakan should be treated equally and have access to rights. Similarly, lower-level workers have been seen taking actions consistent with these statements. However, minority groups emphasize that these actions need to be sustained in the long term to be effective.
Ko Pan Kyo Du, a young Thet leader, stated, “I don’t want to just make it like the cover of a book. I want to create and design something that truly captures attention and interests’ people, not just something that looks pretty on the surface. While the top leadership gives a lot of guidance, it shouldn’t be just a surface-level performance. It should be something real, coming from the heart and soul, something that needs to be done with genuine effort.”
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has been cautioned by minority groups to be mindful of not repeating the discriminatory and divisive practices of the previous Burmese-majority government, which oppressed indigenous peoples.
“These minority groups exist all across Myanmar. In the past, the Burmese oppressed the Rakhine, and then the Rakhine oppressed the ethnic minorities. ULA/AA must be careful not to let such patterns continue. It is the responsibility of ULA/AA to ensure that all ethnic minorities living within Arakan are empowered and that their human resources are effectively utilized,” said U Maung Maung Kyi, a leading committee member of the Spring Revolution Multi-Religion Network.
It is also emphasized that all ethnic minorities in Arakan should be given opportunities to participate in governance and the judicial system based on their qualifications.
“In the past, under authoritarian regimes, certain ethnic groups were excluded from military service, from joining the police, or from participating in the administration. That kind of restriction must be avoided. In Arakan, anyone from any ethnic group who is qualified should be given responsibilities according to their capabilities,” said U Maung Maung Kyi, sharing his view.
Currently, local residents confirm that various ethnic groups in Arakan, including Muslims and Chin, are actively serving in both the military and civilian administrative sectors under the ULA/AA.
“We’ve seen non-Buddhist groups like the Chin and Muslims now participating in administrative structures. In Buthidaung, for example, Muslim affairs committees have been formed, and some Muslims are even seen wearing uniforms and carrying pistols on their belts it’s quite visible,” said a resident from Buthidaung.
The ULA/AA has stated that many individuals from diverse backgrounds are serving in official positions within its administrative structures based on qualifications, without any discrimination based on ethnicity or religion. These claims have also been supported with the release of video footage and photographic documentation.
Residents of Arakan from various ethnic and religious communities have also suggested that in order to gain greater involvement in government mechanisms, individuals should strive to meet the necessary qualifications. They emphasized the importance of collaboration, encouraging everyone to contribute and take on responsibilities within the administrative framework.
Ethnic minority communities have expressed the view that those who are currently serving in government roles with strong qualifications should actively reach out and include minorities in the process.
“If we are to build a stable government, those in stronger positions should support and uplift those with less power. Only then can equality truly be achieved,” said U Hla Htun Kyaw, a prominent leader of the Thet ethnic group and former member of the People’s Parliament.
What will happen if opportunities are denied and people are excluded?
If equal opportunities and representation are not consistently and sustainably provided to all the diverse ethnic and religious communities within Arakan, analysts point out that it could lead to internal dissent and unrest.
“If discrimination arises, I don’t even think it’s necessary to explain what might happen. There won’t be stability in the civilian areas. There will be unrest. People may join unwanted armed groups. It could lead to conflict,” said U Hla Htun Kyaw, a local from Maungdaw where so-called Rohingya armed extremists are active.
Therefore, minority communities point out that in order to sustainably and effectively guarantee equal rights for all ethnic and religious groups in Arakan, it is necessary to establish clear and robust policies and laws.
For that reason, the international community has also recommended that the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government, which is set to govern the whole of Arakan, should urgently draft a constitution that aligns with international standards and ensures protection and inclusion for all ethnic and religious communities.
“If every ethnic group, every individual young or old can be guaranteed that this law is truly their law, and this policy is truly their policy, then we will achieve the kind of nation we all deeply yearn for. It will become something we can truly witness and experience,” said Thet youth Ko Pan Kyo Du, sharing his vision for the future of Arakan.
Therefore, Arakanese people say that if the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government truly wants to build a peaceful and stable Arakan region, it must ensure that, even in the post-revolution period, every citizen is treated equally without discrimination like a parent not differentiating between children — and be granted equal rights.
“Justice is necessary. Human rights must be respected. No discrimination whether someone belongs to the majority or the minority. If it’s like that, then I believe everyone will be included,” said Ma Aye Thinzar Moe, a young woman of Kaman ethnicity.
In what many are calling the final phase of the Arakan war, local residents say the Arakan Army is now focusing on capturing the remaining townships of Sittwe, Kyaukphru, and Manaung. Intense clashes are reported especially in Sittwe and Kyaukphru, where both sides are heavily engaged militarily.
Minority communities say that once the final phase of the war ends and the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government takes full control of the region, attention will turn to how inclusive and transparent the new governance will be. They emphasize the importance of establishing a legal and policy framework that reflects the diverse social fabric of Arakan and guarantees the rights of all ethnic and religious groups living there.
