Famine and division as weapons of war in Myanmar

Famine and division as weapons of war in Myanmar

In the continuing tragedy unfolding in Myanmar, the junta has intensified its brutal tactics to maintain control, plunging ethnic minorities, particularly the Rohingya, into deeper despair. As international attention comes and goes, the military regime adapts, finding new ways to perpetuate suffering and crush dissent. The latest tools in their arsenal: famine and ethnic division.

The Rohingya, a long-persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar, are now facing an insidious strategy aimed at their systematic destruction. Reports have surfaced detailing how the military is deliberately using starvation as a weapon of war. By denying food, aid and basic necessities to Rohingya communities, the junta is forcing them into despair, leaving starvation as the grim alternative to submission.

This tactic serves a dual purpose for the army. First, it weakens the resolve of Rohingya communities, making them more vulnerable to forced recruitment. Desperate for any means to survive, some Rohingya have been forced to fight alongside the junta against their own people, a horrific twist of fate that compounds their suffering. Second, the junta uses famine to manipulate access to international aid, controlling the flow of humanitarian aid in order to further isolate and punish dissident communities.

The brutality does not stop with starvation. Aware of its inability to purely and simply crush resistance, the junta turned to a more insidious strategy: encouraging conflicts between ethnic groups. By sowing discord and manipulating ethnic tensions, the military seeks to distract from its own atrocities and weaken a unified opposition.

The Rohingya and other ethnic minorities continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no signs of easing.

Dr Azem Ibrahim

The Arakan Army, a large armed ethnic group that challenges military rule, has been particularly instrumental in this strategy. Accused of committing abuses against the Rohingya and spreading harmful rhetoric, the Arakan Army played in favor of the army. Reports of beheadings, killings and burning of Rohingya property underscore the depth of this human tragedy. As a result, an additional 45,000 Rohingya were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge from both military oppression and inter-ethnic violence.

The UN has sounded the alarm, but international responses have been woefully inadequate. Diplomatic condemnations and economic sanctions, while important, have not stemmed the tide of suffering. The Rohingya and other ethnic minorities continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no signs of easing.

Bangladesh, already responsible for hosting more than a million Rohingya refugees, faces increased challenges as conflict in Myanmar and monsoon rains worsen conditions. The recent influx has strained resources and infrastructure, exacerbating humanitarian crises in overcrowded camps. The country is struggling to provide adequate shelter, food and healthcare amid ongoing instability, underscoring the urgent need for international support and lasting solutions to alleviate the plight of the Rohingya.

The international community's failure to protect the Rohingya reflects a broader trend of indifference and ineffectiveness in the face of atrocities. Although Myanmar's brutal drift is widely recognized, no significant action has yet been taken. Political calculations, economic interests and geopolitical strategies often overshadow humanitarian imperatives, leaving vulnerable populations to fend for themselves.

For the Rohingya, justice seems a distant dream. Displaced, persecuted and now exploited in a cruel cycle of violence, they face an existential threat that demands urgent and decisive action. The principles of human rights and international law, once considered universal norms, ring hollow in the face of Myanmar's impunity.

The crisis in Myanmar is not just a humanitarian catastrophe; it is a moral test for the international community

Dr Azem Ibrahim

What can we do ? The answer lies in concerted and coordinated efforts that prioritize humanitarian assistance, accountability for perpetrators of violence and genuine dialogue towards reconciliation. The international community, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in particular, must step up support for humanitarian agencies on the ground, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, despite the military's attempts to prevent it.

Furthermore, diplomatic pressure must be intensified, targeting not only military leaders but also those who support and facilitate their atrocities. Economic sanctions should be expanded and rigorously enforced, targeting key industries and individuals who maintain the junta's grip on power.

Beyond immediate measures, a long-term strategy is essential. This includes supporting Myanmar’s civil society, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting inter-ethnic dialogue and reconciliation. The Rohingya and other minorities must have a place at the table to shape Myanmar's future, free from fear and persecution.

The crisis in Myanmar is not just a humanitarian catastrophe; it is a moral test for the international community. Failure to act decisively risks emboldening not only Myanmar's junta, but also other regimes that seek to suppress dissent through violence and division.

As we witness Myanmar's descent into darkness, we must find the courage to confront injustice and defend the dignity of every human being. The Rohingya deserve more than our sympathy; they deserve our unwavering commitment to justice and our unwavering determination to end their suffering.

In the face of brutality, silence is complicity. Let us not remain silent. Let us stand in solidarity with the Rohingya and all those suffering under oppression, affirming that their lives and rights matter, now and always.

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is Director of Special Initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the authors in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arab News.