Myanmar Spring Chronicle – March 23
MoeMaKa, March 24, 2024
Military Council’s Alleged Role in Provoking Ethnic Tensions in Rakhine State
Recent protests by Rohingya people against the Arakan Army (AA) armed group in Buthidaung and Sittwe, Rakhine State, have sparked concerns over the military council’s potential role in orchestrating ethnic conflict. Amidst ongoing clashes between the AA and military council forces across Rakhine State, the emergence of anti-AA demonstrations suggests a deliberate effort by the military council to stoke ethnic tensions in the region.
Observers note that without the military council’s directives, ethnic groups or organizations would not typically engage in protests in areas like Buthidaung and Sittwe, where security forces strictly control public gatherings. Previous demonstrations permitted by the military council have tended to align with nationalist agendas or support for military-backed initiatives, rather than addressing ethnic grievances.
The Rohingya ethnic group, marginalized and denied recognition of their rights, has long faced persecution, including the 2017 genocide perpetrated by the military council, which forced over a million Rohingya to flee to neighboring countries. Against this backdrop, the military council’s alleged incitement of ethnic animosity amidst military setbacks in Rakhine State raises troubling questions about its motives and tactics.
The timing of these protests, coinciding with AA advances in areas like Buthidaung and Sittwe, suggests a calculated strategy by the military council to exploit existing tensions and provoke retaliatory actions, potentially exacerbating ethnic divisions and complicating efforts for peaceful resolution.
The situation underscores broader uncertainties regarding the military council’s ability to maintain control in Rakhine State, particularly as the AA continues to gain ground. The recent clashes in KNU Brigade 7 in Karen State, where joint forces led by the Karen National Union (KNU) attacked and seized a military base, further highlight the fluidity of the conflict landscape and the potential for escalation.
In KNU Brigade 7, previously marked by relative calm following the coup, the resurgence of armed hostilities signals a precarious shift in dynamics, raising concerns of further confrontations between KNU-led forces and military council troops.
Against the backdrop of escalating violence and ethnic tensions, the plight of Rohingya people confined to restricted camps and segregated neighborhoods underscores the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable solutions to address longstanding grievances and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
The military council’s alleged exploitation of ethnic divisions and deliberate incitement of conflict not only undermine prospects for peace but also highlight the urgency of international engagement and support for efforts to promote reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance in Myanmar’s troubled regions.