According to Rakhine civil society organizations, the Military Council has suspended the right of both international and local civil society organizations to provide assistance for storm relief in Rakhine State. This suspension has been implemented without any given reason or explanation.
Civil organizations in Rakhine State report they have received notifications from the state’s General Administration Department both by mail , and phone calls. These communications have informed the organizations that their right to provide assistance in Rakhine State has been suspended since June 8.
An official of a Rakhine social organization said, "International organizations like WFP, along with other civil society organizations, are providing housing support and food assistance. Ceasing this support would feel like holding a vendetta against the Rakhine people."
U Maung Win Chey, a cyclone victim from Ponnagyun Township, expressed to Narinjara that the suspension of these organizations' access rights is viewed as an attempt to starve the Rakhine people. He complained, “This is a hugely difficult time for our people. It seems that they are intentionally causing starvation and suffering among the Rakhine people during this ongoing disaster .”
Cyclone Mocha struck Rakhine State on May 14, resulting in the tragic loss of over 400 lives according to the NUG. The cyclone also caused extensive damage, destroying tens of thousands of homes and buildings across the region. Dams and dykes ruptured, allowing saltwater to infiltrate wells and lakes, resulting in extensive damage and the tragic loss of tens of thousands of cattle.
The sudden suspension of travel and support without any apparent reason, while relying solely on international and local social organizations for storm recovery efforts instead
of the Military Council, can result in significant harm to the affected individuals and potentially diminish public trust in the government.
A representative from a Rakhine social organization stated, "Right now, our immediate requirements are food and shelter. The suspension of aid has intensified the Rakhine community's resentment towards the current military regime. It is crucial for them to resume the suspended assistance. If they persist in prioritizing their own power and neglecting the needs of the people, they will fail to earn the trust of the Rakhine community. Consequently, we anticipate a rise in animosity towards the government among the Rakhine people."
According to a notification signed by Colonel Kyaw Thura, the Minister of Security and Border Affairs of the state government, the travel rights granted by the Rakhine State Government Office's Coordination Work Committee will also be suspended starting from June 8.
In relation to this matter, Narinjara attempted to reach out to Rakhine State Minister of Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura, as well as the State Government spokesperson and State Attorney General U Hla Thein, but their phone calls went unanswered.
Despite the passing of a month since Cyclone Mocha hit, many villages in Rakhine still haven't received emergency aid say many affected residents.
