Twan Mrat Naing’s Strategy of Denial and Control over the Rohingya

Twan Mrat Naing, commander-in-chief of the Arakan Army, leads a meeting at the United Wa State Army headquarters in Panghsang, northern Shan State, on May 6, 2015. (Credit: Reuters)

The Arakan Army wants to be seen as the future of Rakhine State - a force for order, development, and stability. But its treatment of the Rohingya tells a very different story, one that echoes the violence and exclusion of Myanmar’s past. Behind the talk of peace and governance lies a project built on control, denial, and selective belonging.

In a recent extraordinary interview, General Twan Mrat Naing doesn’t shift course. He doubles down. He dismisses the growing evidence of atrocities and repression in AA-controlled areas. He blames Bangladesh. He attacks Rohingya activists in exile. He even misrepresents one of my own videos I created with a sound clip from Nay San Lwin to claim that refugees were being paid to carry out violence. It’s Netanyahu-style narrative warfare. Deny, deflect, discredit and never, ever take responsibility.

My latest article for DVB English breaks down Twan Mrat Naing’s messaging and shows how the AA isn’t offering inclusion - even for the Rohingya already under its control. And for those outside Rakhine, it’s not clear they’re being offered anything at all.