Renewed conflict in Rakhine State poses new threat to Rohingya

Since November, Rakhine State in Myanmar has been marred by renewed violence between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, shattering a year-long unofficial ceasefire and exacerbating an already dire situation for the Rohingya population. This latest wave of conflict is not only deepening the existing humanitarian crisis, but also leading to large-scale displacement of the Rohingya, further compounding the suffering of one of the world’s most persecuted minorities.

The Rohingya, who are predominantly Muslim, have long faced systemic discrimination, violence and displacement in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State. The decades-long persecution reached a horrifying zenith in 2017, when the military launched a brutal crackdown, driving hundreds of thousands of Rohingya across the border into Bangladesh. Despite international condemnation, the Rohingya have continued to face severe restrictions on their movement, access to healthcare, education and other basic rights.

The consequences of this renewed fighting are profound and far-reaching. Not only are innocent lives being lost and families torn apart, but entire communities are being uprooted from their homes, forced to seek refuge in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters. The already strained resources of humanitarian organizations and neighboring countries are being stretched to their limits as they struggle to provide aid and support to those in need.

Moreover, the escalation of violence in Rakhine State has the potential to destabilize the entire region, posing a threat to peace and security beyond Myanmar’s borders. The protracted nature of the conflict and the lack of meaningful dialogue between the warring parties only serve to perpetuate the cycle of violence and suffering, with no end in sight.

The already strained resources of humanitarian organizations and neighboring countries are being stretched to their limits

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

The Bangladesh government’s capacity to absorb Rohingya refugees from the ongoing conflict in Myanmar has reached a critical threshold, primarily due to the overwhelming numbers already sheltered in camps in Cox’s Bazar. With limited resources and infrastructure stretched to its limits, Bangladesh finds itself unable to accommodate additional refugees without substantial international support.

The refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, home to nearly a million Rohingya refugees, are already operating beyond capacity. Basic necessities such as food, water, shelter and healthcare are in short supply and living conditions remain dire. The strain on local resources and services has created significant challenges for both refugees and host communities alike.

Compounding the issue is the shortfall in financial support needed to sustain the refugee population. Despite the immense scale of the crisis, the Bangladesh government has not received the full $870 million per year required to adequately support Rohingya refugees. This lack of funding has severely hampered efforts to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance, leaving refugees vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and neglect.

As a result, Bangladesh is faced with the difficult reality of being unable to absorb more refugees from Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Rakhine State. The Dhaka government’s capacity to meet the basic needs and security requirements of existing refugee populations is already strained to its limits, making it untenable to take on additional responsibilities without sufficient support from the international community.

What seems to be completely absent from the agenda is a concerted effort to address the root causes of the conflict

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

This situation underscores the urgent need for increased financial assistance and burden-sharing among countries to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Cox’s Bazar. Without adequate resources and support, Bangladesh risks further exacerbating the suffering of Rohingya refugees and destabilizing the region as a whole.

Addressing the funding gap and strengthening international cooperation are essential steps toward ensuring the well-being and dignity of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. It is incumbent upon the global community to honor its commitments, provide the necessary resources and work toward sustainable solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of all those affected by the crisis.

But what seems to be completely absent from the agenda of all stakeholder parties is a concerted effort to address the root causes of the conflict, including the long-standing grievances of marginalized communities such as the Rohingya. This requires genuine dialogue and engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including the Myanmar government, ethnic armed groups and civil society organizations, to address issues of discrimination, inequality and exclusion and work toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

The international community, including regional actors, must also step up their efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. This includes providing food, shelter, healthcare and psychosocial support to displaced populations, as well as supporting host communities and countries that are bearing the brunt of the refugee influx.

Ultimately, the crisis in Rakhine State is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for concerted action to prevent further suffering and loss of life. The international community cannot afford to stand idly by while innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence and persecution. Now is the time for decisive action and solidarity in support of the Rohingya and all those affected by the conflict in Rakhine State.

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC. X: @AzeemIbrahim