Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the political and security landscape in Rakhine (also known as Arakan) State, the western region that borders Bangladesh, has undergone significant changes. This report examines governance structures, intercommunal relations, and local peacebuilding efforts in Northern Rakhine State since the non-state armed group Arakan Army took over local government in this region. The findings paint a complex but hopeful picture of Northern Arakan/Rakhine. While economic hardship, security concerns, and intercommunal divisions present substantial barriers, there is a shared resilience and commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous future. Addressing these challenges requires inclusive policies, economic investments, and trust-building measures at all levels.
Governance and Communal Relations in Northern Arakan: A Study of Local Experiences and Perceptions
Communities in Myanmar’s western border region of Rakhine State—long affected by conflict involving armed groups and social divisions—are now experiencing changes in daily life under the emerging governance of the non-state armed group, the Arakan Army.