Narinjara News, April 12,  2023

Despite the ceasefire between the military council and Arakan Army(AA) in Rakhine State has been lasting over four months,there is no significant improvement in socio-economic conditionscompared to the period of conflicts, said local politicians and residents.

On 26 November 2022, the military council reacheda mutual understanding with the AA for a humanitarianceasefire. But no substantial progress except reopeningof some previously closed roads is observed in the State.

The transportation of essential items like medicine and other household goods stillremain restricted, stated U Aung Thaung Shwe, a Rakhine politicianand a former representative of Pyithu Hluttaw from  Buthidaung township.

"We have observed almost no progress afterthe ceasefire. The UN and INGO representativeshave only been allowed to work. But there is nothingspecial for the public. Rather some goods are restricted now,”he added.

Military council chairman senior general Min Aung Hlaing visited Sittwe,Thandwe and Kyaukphyu townships in three programs during theceasefire and visiting the international businessblocks he discussed regional development activities, butstill there is no noticeable
improvement in Rakhine State.

"Senior general Hlaing during his visitoffered incentives to some businessmen and people close tohim only. There is nothing for the public. We cannot even expectmuch from a dictator,” he asserted.

Some roads and waterways which were closedduring conflict days are now open, butthe Ponnagyun-Rathedaung connecting road remains closed.

According to the businessmen,the Rakhine people are observing higherprices for goods compared to other States, as they have topay money for the permission to transport goodson various reopened roads.

"Now we are facing a very difficultsituation. There are a lot of difficulties for the Rakhine people withincreasing transportation expenditures. Prices of healthcareappliances and medicines are growing every day. With very littleopportunities for employment, the
people are surviving by begging. Incidents of robberies areslowly increasing,” said one trader.

Daw Moe Moe, a housewife from Ann township,said that they have not observed much differences. People are stillsuffering from the after effects of war. The economicand social conditions are now worse than earlier, she added. Sincethe military coup in Myanmar, the prices of essential
commodities like edible oil and fuel have been increasingin Rakhine State. Local people are struggling to survive amidst incidentsof  thefts, robberies and othermajor crimes.

As the law enforcement agencyremains weak, the residents have taken the responsibilityto monitor the situation in their neighborhoods during night hours.

During a meeting with Rakhine governmentofficials on 31 March, senior general Hlaing mentionedabout the high number of unlawful cases inRakhine State. He even emphasized on addressing the issues,but the criminal activities in the region are still going on.