The Arakan Army (AA) has established administrative mechanisms under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government in the territories it has seized and now controls. According to local Arakanese people, the government is working to ensure public safety and assist in reconstruction efforts.
In these reconstruction efforts, civil society organizations (CSOs) should be given a greater role by the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government. CSOs also emphasize the need for official recognition and the protection of their rights to effectively contribute to rebuilding the region.
“Civil society organizations are crucial in any city or region. They serve as a bridge between the ruling authorities and the people,” said U Maung Maung Kyi, a leading committee member of the Spring Revolution Multi-Religion Network, in an interview with Border News Agency. “That is why the role of these CSOs cannot be overlooked. Only with their presence can the ruling authorities address the rights and needs of the people effectively,” he added.
Since the start of the decisive war in Arakan, the junta has completely blocked all land and water routes in the region, cutting off movement and restricting international humanitarian aid groups from providing assistance.
As a result, Arakanese civilians, including those displaced by the conflict, are facing severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and basic security. Locals say the situation is becoming increasingly dire, with no clear sign of relief as the blockade continues.
Some local civil society organizations (CSOs) have been providing assistance to address these challenges. However, they admit that their capacity on the ground is weakening, making it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of the affected communities.
“Civil society organizations are still working, but the number of active groups and voices has decreased,” said Ma Khin Myint Zaw, founder of the Women Generation group, in an interview with Border News Agency. “This could be due to internet restrictions and the overall military and political situation. Some organizations are still trying, but the capacity of civil society groups has significantly weakened,” she added.
Reconstruction efforts are underway in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), along with the establishment of Humanitarian and Development Coordination Offices (HDCO) to facilitate humanitarian aid and development programs. However, Arakanese civilians say there is still a significant need for humanitarian assistance to support the affected communities.
Twan Morn Naing is leading the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), coordinating with international humanitarian aid organizations, foreign embassies, and civil society groups. According to Arakanese civilians, these efforts aim to facilitate humanitarian assistance and development support for the affected communities.
Therefore, civil society organizations (CSOs) believe that the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government should prioritize their concerns and actively support and collaborate with them to better assist the Arakanese people.
“Their statements are addressing critical issues for the people, so I believe we must give attention to their voices and their declarations,” said U Maung Maung Kyi in an interview with Border News Agency.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government is calling for both individuals and organizations to collaborate and participate in efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by the Arakanese people.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government is also calling for greater participation and involvement to address the daily challenges and needs faced by the Arakanese people, in order to bring relief and ease their hardships.
While some local civil society organizations have been providing assistance to address these challenges, many CSOs say that they are still facing significant difficulties on the ground and continue to struggle in finding solutions.
“As civil society organizations, we have faced many difficulties since the November 2023 conflict began. The most challenging part is that we ourselves have become displaced and are now in the situation of refugees. However, even in this condition, civil society organizations continue to make every effort to ensure development, security, and progress for the people. We believe that the ULA/AA recognizes this. Because they understand our efforts and have accepted them as necessary support,” said Saw San Nyein Thu, chairperson of the Rakhine Women Leaders’ Association, in an interview with Border News Agency.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has stated that unexploded land mines and leftover military weapons remain in the forests and hills where junta forces had been stationed for years.
As a result, local people who rely on the forests and nature for survival are facing serious risks and are struggling to navigate these dangers in their daily lives.
The Arakanese people have expressed that the remote villages, which are far from accessible roads, face significant challenges in receiving medical care due to the difficulty in transportation.
As a result, they say that they are in urgent need of assistance, including international humanitarian aid and support from civil society organizations.
“In areas controlled by the Arakan People’s Government, some civil society organizations have faced restrictions, unable to operate or move freely without connections to the HDCO. These actions are understood to be necessary. However, if we truly aim to carry out meaningful projects for the people, working in collaboration with the HDCO is essential,” said U Myat Htun, director of the Rakhine Human Rights Defenders Group, in an interview with Border News Agency.
Civil society organizations have stated that the Arakanese people are in urgent need of international humanitarian aid to address their basic needs, including food, shelter, healthcare, education, transportation, and livelihood support. These needs require immediate attention and assistance to alleviate their difficulties.
Civil society organizations and international humanitarian aid groups have emphasized the need for the Arakan People’s Government to take responsibility and ensure accountability in facilitating aid. They stress the importance of communication channels, such as phone lines and internet access, as well as the cooperation and coordination of Arakan People’s Government members to ensure effective collaboration with humanitarian organizations.
U Maung Maung Kyi stated in an interview with Border News Agency that the current Arakan People’s Government (ULA/AA) holds full responsibility for enhancing the rights of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region. He emphasized that the freedom of expression and the right to travel should also be granted to CSOs to ensure their effective participation and contribution.
In the ongoing decisive phase of Arakan war, the Arakan Army has taken control of several areas in the Arakan region, including Paletwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Mongbra, Myaybon, Pauktaw, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa townships.
In the capital Sittwe, as well as Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships, which are yet to be captured by the Arakan Army, military tensions remain high. Junta forces are deliberately targeting civilian areas with heavy artillery, worsening the situation for locals.
As a result, Arakan civilians are forced to flee, facing daily challenges such as deaths, injuries, wrongful arrests, criminal charges, and their homes being burned or destroyed by the junta. These are among the many hardships they endure, according to reports from locals.
The Arakan Army has also completed its control over borders with Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, while the Arakan-India and Arakan-Bangladesh borders are firmly under its control.
Through these borders, international humanitarian aid could potentially be delivered, but despite this, international organizations, including the United Nations, have been turning a blind eye to the situation, according to Arakan civilians.
