By: Camp Correspondent
March 16, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA), which seized full control of Maungdaw Township on December 8, 2024, is allegedly extorting food, money, and essential supplies from Rohingya villagers in northern Maungdaw. Reports indicate that villagers are being forced to provide daily rations, cash, and household items under threats of violence, intensifying the already dire humanitarian crisis in Arakan State, Myanmar.
Rohingya Villagers Compelled to Provide Food and Money
According to local sources, Rohingya residents in Nant Chaung village are being forced to contribute five bags of rice per day to AA, along with additional cash to fund further supply purchases. Failure to comply has resulted in severe repercussions.
“Every day, we are forced to give five bags of rice and other goods to the Arakan Army in Nant Chaung. If we fail to provide them, they threaten to burn down our village, force us to leave, or detain villagers under false accusations. We have no option but to obey,” said a Rohingya villager.
Beyond food extortion, in the last week of February 2025, villagers were also forced to hand over 200 blankets to AA. This continuous demand for resources has placed Rohingya families under extreme financial and food insecurity.
Forced Evictions and Widespread Looting
Alongside resource extortion, the Arakan Army and allied Rakhine groups have been accused of forcibly displacing Rohingya from their homes. A resident of Gunnah Hamlet in Nant Chaung village tract described how entire Rohingya families were expelled under intimidation.
“On February 1, 2025, all Rohingya families in Gunnah Hamlet were forcibly removed from their homes. Rakhine civilians, alongside AA members, looted everything—beds, solar panels, poultry, cooking stoves, and other household items. Their homes remain abandoned,” the resident reported.
Rohingya Facing an Unrelenting Humanitarian Disaster
For years, the Rohingya community in Arakan State has endured persecution, mass displacement, and violent repression. The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military has left thousands isolated from humanitarian aid, unable to access food, healthcare, or safety.
Despite global condemnation of these abuses, the AA continues its systematic oppression of Rohingya communities, while international aid remains blocked in several villages.
UN Secretary-General Calls for Rohingya Repatriation
Meanwhile, during his solidarity visit to Bangladesh, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the Rohingya crisis.
At a Ramadan iftar program with Rohingya refugees, he addressed two key concerns raised by the community:
- The Right to Return to Myanmar – Guterres stressed the need for international intervention to restore peace in Myanmar and guarantee Rohingya citizenship and rights.
- Better Living Conditions in Refugee Camps – He acknowledged the severe impact of recent aid cuts by the United States and European donors, promising to push for renewed humanitarian support.
“The Rohingya people deserve peace, security, and dignity in their homeland. The world cannot ignore their suffering,” Guterres said.
Bangladesh Reaffirms Support for Rohingya Refugees
During the event, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, reassured the Rohingya of Dhaka’s continued commitment to their cause.
“Despite his demanding schedule, the UN Secretary-General chose to break fast with you today. His presence reflects his genuine concern for your struggles. Your request for repatriation has been conveyed at the highest level,” Yunus stated.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure your return to Myanmar. If not this Eid, then by next Eid, we hope you will be reunited with your families in your own land,” he added.
A Crisis Without Resolution
From forced displacement and violence in Arakan State to worsening conditions in refugee camps, the Rohingya remain stateless, persecuted, and uncertain about their future.
While global leaders continue to voice support, their actual return to Myanmar remains elusive. Without decisive international action, the Rohingya face further suffering, exploitation, and loss of their homeland.
