The Arakan Army, Rohingya Identity, and the Path to Peace

Exploring the Arakan Army's View on the Rohingya

This banner reads: “We do not want NUG/AA destroying peace and stability in the country.” Image from a junta organised march in Buthidaung.

My latest OpED questions the divisive rhetoric used by the Arakan Army and the silence from Rohingya diaspora spokespersons in the face of these provocations.

Recent interventions by the Arakan Army's leadership, particularly through the voices of Twan Mrat Naing and Khaing Thukha, have sparked controversy. Given the critical role of the Arakan Army in the political and military landscape of Rakhine State, and considering the historic and ongoing plight of the Rohingya people, the use of the term "Bengali" by AA leaders - a derogatory slur that denies the Rohingya their rightful identity - and the labelling of coerced Rohingya protesters as betrayers reveal a troubling stance that could significantly impact the prospects for peace and reconciliation in the region.

From left to right: Reza Uddin ( Director General, Arakan Rohingya Union ( and Co-Chair, Arakan Rohingya National Alliance; Brigadier General Manzur Qader (Retd.), ARU Advisor; Nay San Lwin (Joint Sec, ARNA) and Tun Khin (President, Burmese Rohingya Organisaition UK (BROUK) and Joint Sec, ARNA)

In response to this targeted use of hateful language, the silence from Rohingya diaspora spokespersons stands out - particularly by the trio above who recently went on a trip to Bangladesh to recalibrate Rohingya attitudes towards AA/Rakhine. Their silence raises questions about the strategy and responses needed to effectively counter such divisive narratives and advocate for the rights and recognition of the Rohingya community.