By: Camp Correspondent
Arakan State – March 26, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA) has issued an order mandating military service for all men and women over the age of 18 in areas under its control, sparking fear and anxiety among the Rohingya population. Many young Rohingya men fear that they will not be treated as formal recruits but instead be forced into hard labor without training or recognition.
Mandatory Conscription Raises Alarm
In Kyauktaw Township, AA representatives have begun informing communities about the new military service requirement. Under the policy, men aged 18 to 45 and women aged 18 to 35 are obligated to join the AA. Village administrators have been instructed to collect updated household lists, which many Rohingya believe may be used to identify and target them for forced conscription.
Although the AA has not officially clarified the scope or duration of service, past experiences suggest that Rohingya are unlikely to be trained as soldiers. Instead, many fear being assigned to carry supplies, dig trenches, and build military structures under harsh and exploitative conditions.
Forced Labor Already Reported in Buthidaung and Maungdaw
In areas like Buthidaung and Maungdaw, where the AA has recently tightened its control, young Rohingya have already been coerced into forced labor. Testimonies from those who fled to Bangladesh describe conditions where recruits were denied weapons or any formal training.
“They made us carry heavy loads, dig trenches, and cut down trees. We were never treated like soldiers—just used for hard work,” said a Rohingya youth who fled from Buthidaung.
In Maungdaw, the AA has begun issuing special household documents to Rohingya families and has instructed village heads to prepare new lists of men aged 18 and above. This has deepened concerns among the displaced Rohingya population.
Rising Fear and Uncertainty
Speaking to AEN, several Rohingya youth in Maungdaw expressed reluctance about joining the AA. Some said they might comply if treated equally as soldiers, but others feared being exploited as laborers once again.
“If they trained us and gave us equal status, we might accept. But we know from experience—they will use us for labor, not as real fighters,” said a 22-year-old Rohingya man.
This growing fear has led to speculation that more Rohingya youth may attempt to flee to Bangladesh in the coming weeks to avoid conscription.
Systemic Exclusion from AA’s Military Structure
While the AA has trained and promoted members of the Rakhine community to administrative and military roles, Rohingya have been largely sidelined. Those who are recruited are typically assigned to physically demanding jobs with no path to leadership or protection.
“They never let us be part of their command structure. We are used only for the most difficult work, like animals,” said a displaced Rohingya man from Buthidaung.
Looking Ahead
Observers expect the AA to formally announce a conscription law soon. With tensions rising and trust between the AA and the Rohingya community deeply fractured, the fear of forced labor and exploitation continues to grow.
For many Rohingya families, especially in Maungdaw and Buthidaung, the path forward remains uncertain. As they face the impossible choice between staying under coercion or fleeing into the unknown, the need for international attention and protection is more urgent than ever.
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