A Simplified Tale of ARSA, RSO, and ARA
Rohingya Armed Groups and Their Downfall
I am not enamoured of writing "explainers." Such pieces require simplification, and I am more comfortable dealing with detail. However, the editor of DVB English suggested it and so here is the simplified tale of ARSA, RSO, and ARA - “The Rohingya armed groups and a failed revolution”.
Having said that I don’t like simplification, I will now go on to further simplify my simplified opinion piece for you busy people. These are basically my arguments.
External Manipulation: Both Bangladesh and Myanmar have manipulated Rohingya armed groups to serve their own geopolitical interests. This has led to these groups being used as pawns rather than independent entities fighting for Rohingya rights.
Fragmentation and Infighting: The manipulation by external actors has caused fragmentation and infighting among the groups. Different factions align with various external patrons, leading to a loss of focus, if there were any original objectives to begin with!
Criminal Activities: Groups like ARA, RSO and ARSA have become involved in criminal activities, including abductions, torture, murder and drug trafficking. This descent into gangsterism has further tarnished their reputation and undermined the Rohingya cause.
Shifting Alliances: The Rohingya armed groups shift their alliances and are devoid of political or ideological commitment.
Lack of Unified Leadership: The absence of a strong, unified leadership has prevented the formation of a cohesive and effective fighting force. The diaspora organisations have failed to engage with progressive communities or lay the groundwork for a revolutionary movement.
Failed Military Support: Both the host and home countries manipulate and coerce the Rohingya to further their own agendas. They often dangle promises of support or concessions before the armed groups, only to later retract them. These powers deploy the armed groups when it suits their purposes, only to turn against them when it no longer serves their interests.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis: The brutal military responses to the activities of these armed groups have led to massive displacements and a worsening humanitarian crisis, further complicating the Rohingya struggle.
After reading a piece about fighting by an ethnic group in South Eastern Myanmar, I saw similar themes in their struggle to exist on their land while threatened. If a political solution is to be found, would you agree that the people of the different regions - Arakan, South East Myanmar, North East Myanmar, might be able to unite if they knew of one another’s similar struggles? Certain high-school educated members of each community could use their education in Burmese language and culture to do so, couldn’t they? It would involve a different kind of fight.
Thank you for this piece which explains how the for the most part unarmed, peaceful Rohingya farmers were able to be attacked by the Myanmar Army and for that to appear necessary because of ARSA’s violence (in self-defense initially, at least.)