The Arakan Army (AA) has announced that thousands of displaced Rohingya from Maungdaw town and surrounding areas will not be allowed to return to their homes, further exacerbating concerns over forced displacement and the uncertain future of uprooted families in conflict-ridden northern Rakhine State.
AA Blocks Rohingya Return, Meeting With Village Leaders
On (February 3), AA officials met with Rohingya village leaders in northern Maungdaw Township to discuss the possibility of repatriation for displaced families. During the meeting, AA representatives stated that a list had been prepared for residents from Ward 5, suggesting that some returnees would be permitted. However, as of February 3, no families from Ward 5 had been granted permission to go back.
A displaced Rohingya from Ward 5 expressed deep uncertainty about the future, telling Rohingya Khobor:
“Our future remains uncertain. We don’t know where we will go to save our lives. People cannot return home, and we are facing significant challenges.”
Widespread Restrictions on Return
AA officials have confirmed that displaced Rohingya from Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Maungdaw town will not be allowed to return. The restriction also applies to those displaced from Kanyin Taung and Maung Ni Wards, located about four miles from the town.
This decision is part of a broader trend of forced displacement affecting Rohingya communities across northern Rakhine State. Reports indicate that the AA has systematically removed Rohingya families from villages, including Palei Daung, Buthidaung, and Gongna Hamlet in Maungdaw.
A displaced Rohingya man from Buthidaung described the dire situation:
“AA is pushing us out of our villages one by one. Where are we supposed to go? We have no land, no food, and no rights. We are treated as if we do not exist.”
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Conflict
For months, displaced Rohingya have faced extreme hardships without sufficient food, shelter, or medical care amid the ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military. Many are considering fleeing to Bangladesh, despite the dangerous journey.
In previous incidents, drone strikes and airstrikes along the Maungdaw coast have resulted in thousands of deaths, with more than 500 bodies reportedly washing up on the shores of Teknaf, Bangladesh. The already overcrowded refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar—home to over one million Rohingya—are struggling to accommodate new arrivals.
Ongoing Discrimination and Uncertainty
Despite the absence of major battles in Maungdaw town, Rohingya communities continue to be denied their right to return. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Rakhine and Hindu residents have been permitted to move back into their homes, highlighting the ongoing discrimination against the Rohingya population.
The situation remains dire as thousands of displaced Rohingya face an uncertain future with no clear resolution in sight. Human rights organizations and international observers have urged immediate intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and prevent further forced displacement in Rakhine State.
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