Monthly Report | May 2024
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Mass Displacement: Over 185,000 Flee the Liberated Areas in Arakan
Monitoring of a brief situation of political tension, economic issues, social issues, and humanitarian issues in Arakan in May 2024.
About report
This report is part of the CAS's monthly series, which delves into four key areas of the state of Arakan. The first section addresses political concerns, including the armed revolution, junta activities, and issues of political freedom. The second examines the state's economic climate, focusing on rising prices, declining demand, foreign direct investment, and border trade. The third and fourth sections cover social and humanitarian issues, respectively; these include education, health, migration, and the internally displaced persons (IDP) population.
Key data in the report are sourced from local media outlets, such as DMG, Western News, among others. The aim of this report is to shed new light on the situation for observers endeavoring to comprehend the dynamics at play in the region.
Key Remarks
- The politics of Arakan during May were dominated by news of armed clashes and the AA’s victory over Buthidaung town, along with subsequent political allegations and complexities. The armed clashes in May were mainly reported in the southern townships of Buthidaung and Maungdaw, the central township of Ann, and the southern township of Thandwe. Junta forces in Arakan continue to suffer more.
- The catastrophic economic situation in May persisted. Several thousand staff members in the junta administration received no salaries. Scarcity of goods and commodities, along with rising prices of general commodities, added more hardships for the general population, especially the most vulnerable segments of society. Armed clashes in Thandwe caused the construction of the hydropower plant to cease, stranding hundreds of workers in the area.
- The unavailability of electricity, internet, and phone communications continued in most areas of the state. Blockages in communication provided more opportunities for junta soldiers to commit war crimes in the shadows. Mounting challenges regarding health and education accessibility are increasing, not decreasing.
- The number of displaced persons in Rakhine State, according to UNOCHA, increased to nearly 200,000. During the month of May, the newly displaced IDPs were mostly in Buthidaung and Thandwe. However, due to the blockage in humanitarian delivery, the majority of them are not receiving emergency services. On another front, the junta authorities are urging INGO/NGO staff who escaped the possibility of armed conflicts to return to urban Sittwe.
Table of Content
Part- I: Political Affairs
In May, the politics of Arakan were mostly dominated by news related to armed conflicts, including casualties, surrenders, atrocities, displacements, inspections, military exercises, reinforcements, recruitment, and propaganda from the junta council (SAC authority). Additionally, there were inspections, seizures, warnings, and public relations activities from the ULA/AA, along with intense armed clashes between the two armed parties.
To start with the news related to the activities of the ULA/AA, on May 1, 2024, the AA seized a pair of
strategic military camps in Maungdaw township while intercepting a junta convoy carrying weapons
and food supplies on the Ann-Yangon highway. On the other hand, the AA also accused the Rohingya
organizations of weaponizing
Military-AA clashes
On another front, regarding the actions of the SAC, it was reported that on May 1, 2024, the junta's
border guard officers and soldiers fled in disorder from Kyee Kan Pyin headquarters. Next, on May 3, it
was reported that around 1,500 houses were torched in Buthidaung by junta affiliates during April. One
day later, the head of Maungdaw Myoma police station and an inspector fled with weapons and gold
items. Two days later, 132 BGPFs fled to Bangladesh again. The junta reinforced its defense of
Maungdaw on May 8, 2024. Three days later, facing casualties in Thandwe, junta forces
On May 18, it was reported that the junta asked to
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The CAS is an independent, non-partisan and research-oriented group conducting research and analyzing issues related to Arakan/Rakhine affairs.
Monthly Report | April 2024
Crisis in Arakan: A Look at April’s Challenges
Arakan politics during April were primarily dominated by news related to armed conflicts, including casualties, surrenders, atrocities, displacements, inspections, military exercises, reinforcement, recruitment, and propaganda from the junta council (SAC authority)
Monthly Report | July 2023
Political Tensions Among Different Parties in Arakan Grow
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Monthly Report | May 2023
Response to Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State
This report aims to provide an update and comprehensive information regarding the strike of Cyclone Mocha on the coast of Arakan on May 14, 2o23. But, as it is released as a part of the ‘Monthly Report’, the content of the work will only cover the cyclone-related information during the month of ‘May’.
The Investments of China and India in Rakhine State: The Perspectives of Rakhine Stakeholders on Ground in Post-Coup Myanmar
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Monthly Report | March 2023
While the junta’s forces and Arakan Army (AA) are now in an informal truce, the news of the registration of the political parties in Rakhine have become more prominent in March.
Monthly Report | Febuary 2023
In February 2023, both tensions and relaxation could be seen in politics in Rakhine State. Tensions between the Arakan Army, and junta forces happened due after the junta forces' reinforcement such as military types of equipment, patrol and...
The Investments of China and India in Rakhine State: The Perspectives of Rakhine Stakeholders on Ground in Post-Coup Myanmar
Rakhine State is an attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI) due to several compelling factors. Firstly, its strategic position along the Bay of Bengal makes it a geostrategic hub for business ventures. Additionally, the region is endowed with abundant natural resources, breathtaking beaches, and fascinating cultural and historical sites, which make it a prime destination for investment in tourism, mining, and other related industries.
Footsteps of China and India on Arakan in Post-Coup Myanmar
While the junta’s forces and Arakan Army (AA) are now in an informal truce, the news of the registration of the political parties in Rakhine have become more prominent in March. As the twoarmed parties are in a lack of trust toward each other,...
Monthly Report | July 2023
Political Tensions Among Different Parties in Arakan Grow
This report is a part of the monthly report series by the CAS. The report usually covers four key areas happening in the state of Rakhine. The first part covers the politics concerning the armed revolution, the junta activities and political freedom, etc.
Monthly Report | May 2023
Response to Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State
This report aims to provide an update and comprehensive information regarding the strike of Cyclone Mocha on the coast of Arakan on May 14, 2o23. But, as it is released as a part of the ‘Monthly Report’, the content of the work will only cover the cyclone-related information during the month of ‘May’.
Monthly Report | March 2023
While the junta’s forces and Arakan Army (AA) are now in an informal truce, the news of the registration of the political parties in Rakhine have become more prominent in March.
Monthly Report | Febuary 2023
In February 2023, both tensions and relaxation could be seen in politics in Rakhine State. Tensions between the Arakan Army, and junta forces happened due after the junta forces' reinforcement such as military types of equipment, patrol and,...
Arakan Review: Return To War
Just 20 months after a de facto ceasefire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), a series of armed clashes resumed in three locations in northern Rakhine,...