By: Camp Correspondent
April 9, 2025 | Maungdaw, Rakhine State
After weeks of displacement caused by armed conflict in Maungdaw town, Rohingya residents are gradually being permitted to return to their homes. Beginning April 1, the Arakan Army (AA) has allowed returnees to re-enter the city under organized arrangements involving family registration and coordination between local Rohingya elders and AA military personnel.
Sources on the ground confirm that transportation assistance has also been provided to facilitate the return process, marking the first organized movement of Rohingya back into the conflict-affected urban areas since renewed violence erupted in March.
During the period of displacement, numerous reports emerged of widespread looting and break-ins across Rohingya homes. Local sources claim that more than 100 individuals have been arrested and sentenced for theft-related crimes by the AA. However, the details of these arrests and the nature of the judicial process remain unclear.
AA authorities have reportedly instructed affected families to submit lists of missing belongings and property damage. Whether compensation or restitution will follow remains uncertain.
In a rare development, local AA officials have also permitted donations and humanitarian assistance to reach Rohingya communities in need. Community leaders say this could help ease the return process for families who lost their possessions or income sources during the fighting.
While these movements are being framed as a step toward normalization, many Rohingya remain cautious. Previous patterns of forced returns and unfulfilled assurances have left deep scars. The extent to which their return will be voluntary, safe, and sustainable remains to be seen.
AA officials have stated that by the end of April, most displaced residents—Rohingya and others—are expected to return, and efforts are underway to restore daily life in Maungdaw town.
