Rohingyas residing in the world’s largest refugee camp in Kutupalong, Cox’s Bazar, are reportedly undergoing armed training, with many joining Myanmar’s military junta in its ongoing conflicts. This revelation comes from a report by Reuters, based on interviews with 18 individuals from the camps.
Thousands of Rohingyas Join Myanmar Junta
According to Reuters, thousands of Rohingyas from the camps in Bangladesh are fighting alongside Myanmar’s military junta against the Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group that controls large parts of Rakhine State. Some Bangladeshi officials are also allegedly supporting the armed Rohingyas.
One such individual is Rafique, a 32-year-old refugee who returned to the Kutupalong camp after sustaining injuries while fighting in Myanmar. In an interview, Rafique emphasized, “We must fight to reclaim our land; there is no other way.”
Historical Context of the Rohingya Struggle
Rohingyas, primarily Muslims, fled Myanmar in waves, particularly after a brutal military crackdown in 2016, which the UN labeled as genocide. Despite living in Myanmar for generations, Rohingyas were denied citizenship and persecuted by both the Myanmar military and Buddhist-majority Rakhine communities.
The situation became more complex after the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, which sparked armed resistance from various ethnic groups, including the Rohingyas.
Military Training and Promises of Citizenship
Reports suggest that 3,000-5,000 Rohingyas have joined the junta. In exchange, Myanmar’s military has offered promises of citizenship documentation, weapons, and financial support. For the Rohingyas, who have long been stateless and marginalized, this is seen as a significant incentive.
Abu Afna, a Rohingya fighter, described his participation: “Our main enemy is not the Myanmar government but the Rakhine community.” Despite his disdain for the military, he admitted that the junta provided them with weapons, training, and a place to stay. He emphasized that their involvement is driven by a desire for citizenship rather than monetary gain.
Rising Violence in Refugee Camps
Back in Cox’s Bazar, violence and militant recruitment are escalating. Armed groups like the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) are vying for control, causing fear among the camp’s residents. According to Fortify Rights, at least 60 people have been killed in 2023 alone due to clashes between these groups.
The growing instability in the camps has alarmed Bangladeshi officials. One security source described the rise of armed fighters in and around the camps as a “ticking time bomb.” Professor Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University added that the poverty and desperation in these camps make them fertile ground for criminal activities and militant recruitment.
Myanmar Conflict and Failed Mediation
Rohingyas fighting alongside the junta are attempting to counter the heavily armed and well-trained Arakan Army, particularly in areas like Maungdaw, Rakhine State. While the junta initially promised swift victories, the involvement of Rohingya fighters has reportedly slowed the Arakan Army’s advances.
Efforts by Bangladesh to mediate between the Arakan Army and Rohingyas have failed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Fear and Hopelessness Among Refugees
The ongoing violence has left Rohingyas both in Myanmar and Bangladesh in a state of perpetual fear. Many refugees report living without basic resources, safety, or hope for a better future. Shariat Ullah, a refugee who fled Maungdaw with his family, said, “Here, we have nothing. We live in constant fear.”
International Concerns and the Way Forward
Humanitarian organizations warn that dwindling international aid could worsen the crisis in Bangladesh’s refugee camps. Without livelihood opportunities, many Rohingya youths may be pushed toward militancy. Wendy McCance of the Norwegian Refugee Council noted that funds allocated for the camps might run out in the next decade.
The escalating violence in the camps, coupled with the Rohingya involvement in Myanmar’s conflicts, underscores the need for a comprehensive solution to the crisis, involving repatriation, citizenship rights, and international support.