Women, girls and activists in Arakan State shared their thoughts with DMG about what women need and what they should do to expand their representation in leadership roles.

Social worker Ko Kyaw Lin Oo, who has been actively helping internally displaced people (IDPs) in Rathedaung Township, recently spoke to DMG about the latest developments there.

“The fighting is quite close to Gwa Town now. It has reached near Tin Taw and Amaw villages across Rahai Kutoe Creek. Yesterday, there were airstrikes along the mountains behind Rahai Kwin and Shwe Nan Khaing villages.”

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing visited Yunnan Province in November on his first visit to China since the 2021 coup. Following his trip, China proposed the establishment of a joint venture security company between the two countries, and the Myanmar regime announced on December 3 that a working committee had been formed to prepare for the formation of the company.

Women, girls and activists shared their thoughts with DMG about the challenges and hardships facing women, and the actions needed to eliminate violence against them.

Last week Wednesday marked one year since the latest fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and the Arakkha Army (AA) in Arakan State. DMG recently interviewed U Pe Than, a political and military observer and former Lower House lawmaker for Arakan State, about the AA's achievements over the past year, and the possible scenarios that might play out in Arakan State in the year ahead.

Ma Khaing Khaing Mar, a 21-year-old woman from Namada Village in Chin State's Paletwa Township who is taking shelter at the Kavi Yadana displacement camp in Kyauktaw Town after losing one of her limbs in the latest fighting,

Some of these family members, including the wives of three prisoners and the son of one, recently shared with DMG their reactions to the transfer of the inmates from Sittwe Prison.

young women in rural areas including university students are struggling to support their families, with many doing housework and odd jobs as they no longer have the opportunities that their post-secondary pursuits should have offered.

DMG interviewed Ko Pyae Phyo Naing, chairman of the Ponnagyun Youths Association (PYA), which is carrying out local social assistance activities, about the needs and difficulties facing the IDPs.

“As for the public, since the beginning of the Spring Revolution, they had hoped to receive the help and protection of the international community. Myanmar people are relying on the international community to resolve the current Myanmar conflict with Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and establish a no-fly zone.”

Myanmar's military regime has blockaded Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, since fighting between the junta and Arakkha Army (AA) broke out anew in November. It has also planted landmines around the town.

DMG Newsroom
1 September 2024, Sittwe

China's Ruili City Security Commission issued a warning to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on August 29, telling the group to stop fighting immediately in northern Shan State or face consequences.

TNLA leaders are reportedly discussing the warning at its central executive committee.

China has previously said that it would not interfere in Myanmar's internal issues. Speaking to DMG, politicians and China specialists shared their views on the warning to the...

DMG interviewed U Maung Thein Hla, secretary of the Danyawaddy agricultural association, about the difficulties and needs of the flood-affected farmers as well as the food security conditions facing local populations next year.

Locals in Gwa Township are facing food security challenges due to junta blockades. In mid-August, DMG interviewed a resident of Gwa regarding the military and social conditions in Gwa Township at that time.

“We have concerns for our security during this period. Many government employees have been displaced by the fighting.”

Burmese Women’s Union (BWU) General Secretary Naw Khin San Htwe recently talked to DMG about the difficulties and challenges facing women over the past three years.

After the AA seized Light Infantry Battalion No. 353 on May 14, it rescued the 35 detainees, who had been deprived of food and water for three days. Saw Lein Mohla, one of the detainees, told DMG about the ordeal.

With the conflict in northern Arakan State ongoing, Muslim residents in Buthidaung Township recently shared their views on the conduct of the ARSA, RSO and ARA forces allied with the junta.