Many inhabitants of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State currently under military control, are reportedly experiencing famine.

Since 2023, the military has restricted all transport pathways in Rakhine due to the continuous conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and military authorities, which has halted the transport of goods from Yangon to Sittwe, leading to food shortages and famine among the poorer population.

A resident of Sittwe mentioned, “The lower classes are experiencing hunger. The roads remain closed, with the exception of waterways. They are unable to do anything. They are unemployed. The conflict has persisted for more than a year, and now they are enduring numerous hardships. They used to cook rice porridge and consume it, but now they cannot eat rice porridge and are experiencing hunger.”

At present, a 50 Kg bag of raw rice in Sittwe is priced at 145,000 kyats, while a bag of premium rice such as Paw San Mwe can reach as much as 200,000 kyats.

The military council is transporting food items from Yangon to Sittwe exclusively by water route, and the expenses for importing goods are extremely high, leading to a surge in the prices of rice and other food items.

The inhabitants additionally stated that with a liter of fuel priced over 10,000 kyats, essential workers such as taxi drivers have halted their jobs, leaving many people jobless and numerous others begging for their daily needs.

Numerous individuals from the lower class in the areas of Ywa Gyi Taung, Ywa Gyi Mrauk, Ohntapin, Sinku Land, Lanmadaw Taung, Khon Tan, Kathe, setron Su, Dhanyawaddy, and Mingan in Sittwe are experiencing hunger as a result of unemployment and insufficient income.

Since March 2024, the average inhabitants of Sittwe have been consuming rice gruels (boiled rice) instead of regular rice due to food scarcity, and the situation has worsened, leading them to confront famine.

Furthermore, certain individuals who can spare the expense have been supplying rice packets and rice, yet it remains insufficient.

It is also reported that the military council has halted and banned, as well as arrested, those who supply it.

The majority of Sittwe's residents escaped to mainland regions, including Yangon and areas under AA control, but those from the grassroots class, who lack the means, remain stuck in the city.

Since last February, a series of intense and small-arms exchanges have occurred in the outskirts of Sittwe between the junta troops and the AA members.

Despite both parties currently agreeing to a ceasefire, local residents report that fighting is still intense and small arms are being used in some areas outside of Sittwe.