Village Officials Appointed by Arakan Army Accused of Corruption and Abusing Rohingya

By: Camp Correspondent

July 18, 2025

Rohingya residents in Maungdaw, located in western Rakhine State of Myanmar, have expressed deep concern over the conduct of village officials recently appointed by the Arakan Army (AA). Community members allege that these officials are engaging in corruption, abuse of power, and the exploitation of already-vulnerable Rohingya families.

According to local testimonies, the appointments were made without consulting the communities they are meant to serve. Several of the new appointees are believed to have past involvement in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and collaboration with the former Myanmar military regime.

Residents from villages such as Kyauk Hlay Gar, Ohnthakyaw, and Shwe Zar reported that the officials are imposing coercive practices. These include forcing civilians to take part in night-time guard duties, demanding donations through intimidation, and confiscating humanitarian aid meant for public distribution. Even meat distributed during Eid al-Adha was allegedly taken by some of the officials, leaving poorer families without their rightful share.

In Ohnthakyaw, two village officials named Motiraman and Abu have been accused of attempting to seize farmland belonging to two Rohingya families. According to reports, they used threats and pressure to try to take over 31 acres of agricultural land.

Rohingya activists and former community leaders are calling for an immediate review of these appointments. They warn that the current abuse of authority will further erode public trust and may contribute to rising insecurity in the region.

Since taking control of Maungdaw on December 8, 2024, the Arakan Army has been accused of multiple rights violations targeting Rohingya residents. These include the seizure of homes under false accusations, confiscation of personal property, and the displacement of families without due process.

Checkpoints have been established at the entrance and exit of nearly every village, significantly restricting the movement of Rohingya residents. Community members report that pedestrians and motorbike users are being forced to pay fees to cross local bridges, adding to their daily hardship.

Although the Arakan Army’s campaign, launched in November 2023, has led to the capture of 14 out of 17 towns in Rakhine State, the situation for the Rohingya remains dire. For many families, this new control has not brought safety or justice, but rather renewed cycles of abuse, displacement, and fear. These are the same families who survived the 2017 genocide carried out by Myanmar’s military forces and are now once again being targeted.

Rohingya community leaders are calling for accountability, inclusive governance, and international attention to ensure that the rights and dignity of all civilians, especially the marginalized Rohingya, are respected and protected.