Monthly Report • May 9th 2025 • Center for Arakan Studies

# Monthly Report | April 2025

Photo Credit via DMG News

# War,Famine, Rebel Governance in Arakan

Monitoring of a brief situation of political tension, economic issues, social issues, and humanitarian issues in Western Myanmar in April 2025.

### 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 Remarks

- In April 2025, Rakhine State faced escalating conflict as the Myanmar junta violated its 20-day truce with 409 attacks, including airstrikes in Kyaukphyu and the widespread destruction of civilian homes and a hospital in Sittwe. The Arakan Army (AA) consolidated its position by capturing the Nyaung Kyo camp in Bago Region, releasing 170 prisoners in Minbya, and enforcing governance-like curfews in Maungdaw. ARSA’s attacks on minorities and rising cross-border tensions—including the AA’s detention of Bangladesh fishermen—further intensified ethnic and regional friction. The AA’s 16th anniversary highlighted its growing influence amid ongoing violence.

- Also in April 2025, tensions escalated further as the junta reinforced security around Chinese projects in Kyaukphyu, which generate over $575 million annually, while facing intensified assaults from the AA. Economic hardships deepened: low-denomination banknotes became unusable in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, and Rathedaung; a rice import ban led to scarcity in Kyaukphyu; and the AA’s enforcement of policies such as mandatory helmet use drove up prices. Cross-border cattle trade with Bangladesh was hampered by local levies, and the halt in commerce at Kanyin Chaung further strained the region’s economy. These developments illustrate the complex interplay between conflict, economic instability, and emerging governance structures.

- Meanwhile, Sittwe experienced a severe famine, with residents resorting to eating dogs and cats, while water shortages affected Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, and Maungdaw. The AA bolstered its image as a governing authority by punishing over 130 burglars in Maungdaw and adjudicating a rape case in Paletwa. Military restrictions—such as movement bans in Kyaukphyu and increased naval presence in Thandwe—further disrupted civilian livelihoods, especially fishing. Nevertheless, cultural events such as the Khumi Literature Centenary and traditional festivals continued despite the conflict. These conditions reflect Rakhine’s worsening humanitarian crisis and the AA’s attempts to assert control amid instability.

- By the end of April 2025, Rakhine continued to endure widespread suffering. Junta bombings and drone strikes in Kyauktaw and Kyaukphyu killed and injured dozens, including children, despite an extended ceasefire. Landmines and unexploded ordnance caused regular casualties in Taungup, Mrauk-U, Gwa, Myebon, and Ann. In response, the AA resettled displaced residents in Paletwa and opened an orphanage for children of all ethnicities, highlighting its humanitarian and governance efforts. Food shortages in Thandwe, detentions in Sittwe, and the displacement of over 40,000 people to Kyaukphyu further strained civilian life. Cross-border developments included Bangladesh’s agreement to a UN humanitarian corridor and Myanmar’s verification of 180,000 Rohingya for repatriation—though concerns over their safety persisted.

### Table of Content

- Part- I: Politics and Armed Conflicts
- Part- II: Economic Situations
- Part- III: Social Issues
- Part- IV: Humanitarian Issues

### Part- I: Politics and Armed Conflicts

Junta’s Truce Violations and Civilian Attacks in Kyaukphyu Despite declaring a 20-day truce on April 2, the Myanmar junta violated it with 409 military assaults, including airstrikes and heavy artillery strikes in Kyaukphyu. Notable incidents included the use of 500-pound bombs and the deployment of paratroopers, with intense clashes reported as the junta attempted to reclaim AA-held areas. These violations highlight the junta’s disregard for ceasefire agreements and its escalation of conflict in strategic zones.

Arakan Army’s Strategic and Humanitarian Gains On April 5, the Arakan Army (AA) fully captured the Nyaung Kyo strategic camp in Bago Region, marking a significant expansion of its influence beyond Rakhine State. On April 14, the AA released 170 prisoners of war and their families in Minbya ahead of Thingyan, demonstrating humanitarian efforts alongside its military advances. These events underscore the AA’s growing military strength and administrative authority.

Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure in Sittwe On April 19, Google Maps revealed the near-total destruction of village homes on the outskirts of Sittwe, indicating systematic targeting of civilian areas. On April 26, junta shelling in Wabo village, Sittwe, destroyed a hospital and over 200 homes, exacerbating civilian displacement. These incidents reflect the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and livelihoods.

General Overview From April 1 to 30, 2025, Rakhine State witnessed intense conflict despite temporary ceasefires dclared by both the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the junta. The junta's 409 assaults— including airstrikes in Kyaukphyu and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Sittwe— violated its own truce and caused significant civilian harm. The Arakan Army strengthened its position by capturing strategic sites like Nyaung Kyo in Bago Region and implementing governance measures, such as curfews in Maungdaw and prisoner releases in Minbya. Ethnic tensions intensified with ARSA’s attacks on minorities and cross-border incidents, including the AA’s detention of Bangladeshi fishermen. While the AA’s 16th anniversary highlighted its growing regional support, the ongoing violence and junta aggression underscore the persistent instability in Rakhine.

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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.

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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.

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