CNI News
April 1, 2026
Rakhine politicians and political analysts are pointing out how the rehabilitation of Rakhine State—where the socio-economic status has declined due to war—should be carried out under the new government that will emerge in Myanmar this coming April.
Following the resurgence of fighting between the Arakkha Army (AA) and the Myanmar Military in 2022, the AA now controls 14 out of the 17 townships in Rakhine State. The Myanmar Military (Tatmadaw) retains control only over Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung townships.
As a result of the conflict, hundreds of thousands of people have become internally displaced (IDPs). The region is facing a breakdown in the rule of law with rising incidents of theft and looting, the cessation of agriculture and trade, mass displacement, and a total collapse of healthcare services.
Rakhine State Hluttaw (Parliament) representatives are urging the Rakhine State Government to transparently present the rehabilitation plans for the Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Rathedaung regions to the state parliament.
Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that it is necessary to monitor the extent of the new government's administrative reach during the upcoming rehabilitation period.
A map showing territorial control during the war in Rakhine State
"Rehabilitation will depend on the battlefield situation in the Rakhine region. The State Government currently administers only three townships. We must see which sectors the Union Government will allocate for reconstruction. How much administrative territory will the government actually hold in the coming term? This is linked to both military and political factors.
Reports suggest intense military conflict in four townships in southern Rakhine. Another necessity is the repatriation of Muslims who fled to the neighboring country from Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Rathedaung. Questions remain on how the State and Union governments will handle this based on the evolving political and military landscape.
Currently, security measures are focused on the three controlled townships. Due to the lack of peace, villages surrounding Sittwe have been demolished or relocated as needed, leaving villagers taking refuge in about 54 or 55 monasteries as displaced persons. A similar situation likely exists in Kyaukphyu."
Dr. Aye Maung further stated that a military resolution and government support are essential for stability and rehabilitation. He noted that the parliament might urge both sides to meet and seek a solution through dialogue to achieve peace, which is the primary requirement for people to return to their original homes.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during Cyclone Mocha rehabilitation efforts in Rakhine State
Dr. Aung Myo, a political analyst, told CNI News that the first priorities for rehabilitation should be electricity and the establishment of factories to create jobs.
"The first step for rehabilitation is getting electricity in Rakhine and establishing factories, specifically to create employment. There are also Bengalis there; they cannot be ignored for humanitarian reasons. Labor-intensive garment factories are needed.
Other factors come later. Security is the first priority; in any country, military operations come first. Without it, nothing can be done. Efforts must first be made to regain lost territories. Rakhine is far from the mainland, and its ports do not have established trade flows with the mainland. Currently, the focus is on military operations. It seems Rakhine might have the lowest priority in the overall rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation will come gradually. The main priority now is to improve transportation—primarily air and sea routes—to the three townships currently controlled by the military: Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Manaung."
Currently, the AA is launching attacks to seize control of the three remaining townships—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—held by the Myanmar Military.
Rakhine State is facing a "double burden" of destruction: the conflict that reignited in 2022 and the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, which struck in May 2023.
