Arakan Army

The efforts of the United League of Arakan to aid the survivors of Cyclone Mocha will further entrench its influence and control in Rakhine State.

Over the past two years, the insurgent group has steadily extended and deepened its control over Rakhine State.

Once mostly immune from the country's post-coup turmoils, Rakhine State is beset by an increasingly devastating conflict.

Violent clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army in the Chin state early this month triggered the exodus.

There are signs that the country's government is making more forceful attempts to promote the repatriation of refugees to Myanmar.

Isolated from its main popular base of support, the ragtag militant outfit has withered on the vine.

Since the February coup, the Arakan Army has reportedly gained effective control of 75 percent of the state's townships.

The armed group's decision to include Muslim Rohingya representatives in local administration marks a sharp break with a succession of central governments.

Despite its support for the national protest movement, various factors have contributed to the armed group’s relative silence since the coup.

The Tatmadaw and Arakan Army are both in favor, but the ruling National League for Democracy remains hesitant.

The move puts the focus on Naypyidaw’s approach to the group and the situation in Rakhine state amid wider political and security developments.