by ARNA | Feb 1, 2025 | Press Release
February 1, 2025 – Today marks the anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar, an event that plunged the nation into unprecedented turmoil, destroying its political, economic, and social fabric. The coup dismantled democratic governance, unleashed widespread conflict, and plunged Myanmar into chaos. However, this catastrophe did not begin in 2021, it was preceded by the final stage of genocide against the Rohingya in 2017, carried out under an elected government backed by the same military that later seized power.
In 2017, under Myanmar’s civilian administration, the military launched a brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya in Rakhine State. Tens of thousands were killed, entire villages were burned, and over a million Rohingya were forced to flee to Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, justice was never served, allowing the military to continue its atrocities unchecked. The February 1st coup further cemented this culture of impunity, giving rise to an era of even greater lawlessness and suffering.
The military coup only accelerated this destruction, as the absence of accountability has emboldened both state and non-state actors to continue their campaign of ethnic cleansing. Among those exploiting this chaos is the Arakan Army (AA), a non-state armed group that has expanded its control in Rakhine State. The collapse of central governance has given the AA a complete opportunity to escalate violence against the Rohingya, forcing thousands from their homes and committing widespread human rights violations with impunity.
As Myanmar plunges further into conflict, the Rohingya remain among the most vulnerable. They are caught between a military that has long sought their eradication and an emboldened Arakan Army that views them as obstacles to its territorial ambitions. Without urgent international action through sanctions, humanitarian intervention, and legal accountability the genocide will continue, and Myanmar’s destruction will only deepen.
The international community must not ignore the ongoing atrocities in Myanmar. Justice for the Rohingya and all victims of the coup is imperative, and those responsible whether military or armed groups must be held accountable.
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