by Hafizur Rahman
September 21, 2025, Arakan State: Arakan Army (AA) Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing has declared that the repatriation of Rohingya refugees is not a priority for his forces at present, pointing instead to Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and widespread humanitarian crises.
In an interview with The Irrawaddy on Friday, Tun Myat Naing said the country was consumed by instability, shortages, and conflict. “This is a time of war and with so many difficulties across Myanmar, repatriation of Muslims cannot be our main priority,” he stated.
Loyalty Before Return
The AA chief argued that before any large-scale return could take place, questions of trust and loyalty must be addressed. “How much loyalty will they show to Myanmar? How will they show loyalty to Arakan? How will they cooperate for peace? These things must come first. Rather than just talking, we need practical actions,” he said.
He claimed that relations between Muslims and ethnic Rakhine in AA-controlled areas had improved in recent years, with ethnic and religious tensions reportedly easing. Still, he emphasized that AA’s focus remains on the armed conflict and addressing local hardships, not on refugee repatriation.
Disputes Over Reports and Accusations
Tun Myat Naing dismissed reports that Rohingya civilians were killed in recent clashes in Buthidaung’s Thanzauk Hkan village, insisting the fighting involved only junta soldiers.
He also criticized Bangladesh’s announcement that repatriation could begin next year, accusing Dhaka of using the refugee issue to attract international assistance rather than seeking a “genuine solution.”
The AA chief went further, accusing senior Bangladeshi Border Guard Force (BGB) officers of secretly training Rohingya armed groups such as ARSA and RSO to carry out attacks in Rakhine.
The AA’s Position
Outlining his organization’s stance, Tun Myat Naing said the United League of Arakan/AA’s policy toward Muslims is tied to loyalty and law. “We want unity and harmony, but it must be built through action, not just words,” he emphasized.
His remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding any near-term repatriation process. While Bangladesh continues to push for returns amid dwindling international aid, the AA’s refusal to prioritize the issue highlights the deep political and security obstacles still standing in the way of Rohingya refugees hoping to go home.
