Myanmar's Military Blocks Food Aid, Causing Hunger

In Rakhine State, the ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian challenges, as soldiers have forcibly displaced families from their homes, leaving them without food and basic necessities. Khin Mar Cho, a local resident, described the dire situation, stating, “There are days that we have no food, even though we are hungry.” The military junta has been accused of obstructing aid efforts by imposing checkpoints and blocking access to roads and waterways, significantly hampering the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The region has become a battleground, particularly with the rise of the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic rebel group that has taken control of several townships since a ceasefire with the military collapsed last November. Aid officials have reported that the junta is using food as a weapon against the population, exacerbating the suffering of those already displaced. Mohammed, a father of three living in a displacement camp since 2012, highlighted the ongoing struggle for survival, stating, “I lived life with risk and hunger.” Efforts to negotiate an end to the blockade have been made, with UN representatives engaging in talks with junta officials. However, the military has restricted access to areas controlled by the AA, citing safety concerns for aid workers. Currently, approximately 590,000 people are displaced in Rakhine, yet only a fraction are receiving assistance due to the junta's restrictions. Local humanitarian groups are resorting to covert methods to deliver aid, risking their safety to reach those in need. As the situation deteriorates, many residents express their desperation for support, with one stating, “All we need at the moment is aid and support to survive this.”