A new report by Kaladan Press Network (KPN) gives insight into the factors driving the recent large-scale displacement of Rohingya in Maungdaw township of northern Rakhine State.

Based on testimony of recent refugee arrivals to Bangladesh, the report provides a step-by-step timeline and mapping of the advances of the Arakan Army (AA) into Maungdaw during 2024 and the resulting displacement of Rohingya villagers.

Refugees described the shifting patterns of Rohingya displacement in Maungdaw, with most villagers fleeing into the town until July, then a complete reversal of direction in August, when the AA forcibly evacuated everyone out of the town into areas under their control.

Those evacuated testified to extreme hardship due to insufficient provision of shelter and food, which, together with fear of forced recruitment and arrest by the AA, led them to flee to Bangladesh by boat across the Naf River, a journey fraught with danger.

The report gives unique insight into the movements of the various Rohingya armed groups in Maungdaw, whose influence appears to be dwindling, despite AA’s claims to the contrary.

Refugees also revealed that hundreds of RSO soldiers had gathered at a port north of Maungdaw to leave by boat in the evening of August 5, and this was the likely reason for the AA’s fierce drone and artillery attack that killed hundreds of Rohingya civilians in the vicinity.

It is hoped that the insights provided by the refugees will lead to a better understanding of the factors contributing to the current crisis and help shape appropriate responses – the most urgent of which is to provide humanitarian aid as soon as possible for the Rohingya remaining in northern Rakhine State.

The report can be viewed on   https://kaladanpress.org/unravelling-the-…ment-in-maungdaw/ ‎

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