Rohingya militant groups recruit from camps to fight Arakan Army, warns Crisis Group
The information was revealed in a report from the International Crisis Group titled “Bangladesh/Myanmar: The Dangers of a Rohingya Insurgency,” published this morning
Armed Rohingya groups have begun recruiting from Cox's Bazar refugee camps to assist in fighting against the Arakan Army in Rakhine.
The information was revealed in a report from the International Crisis Group titled "Bangladesh/Myanmar: The Dangers of a Rohingya Insurgency," published this morning (18 June).
The report notes that after the Arakan Army's victory over Myanmar's military in Rakhine, the Rohingya groups have become increasingly active. Since November, they have agreed to work together against the Arakan Army, bringing a pause in inter-group violence within the camps, but also expanding recruitment as they attempt to challenge a group that counts Rakhine's Buddhist majority as its base.
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"Bangladesh should reduce the influence of Rohingya armed groups within the camps and strengthen informal trade and humanitarian assistance to Rakhine," the report recommends.
It further advises that the Arakan Army should show it can govern inclusively and initiate dialogue with the Rohingya.
The Crisis Group report urges Bangladesh's interim government to enhance engagement with the Arakan Army and expand informal trade and humanitarian aid to Rakhine to stabilise border communities. It also recommends that Dhaka's security agencies intensify efforts to curb Rohingya militant influence in camps, while fostering civic leadership among refugees.
The Arakan Army, meanwhile, should demonstrate its inclusive governance capacity and willingness to negotiate with Rohingya groups. With declining US aid, the report calls on other international donors to boost support in the camps.
