Arakan Army to begin conscription in Myanmar’s west

Read RFA coverage of this topic in Burmese.

One of Myanmar’s most powerful rebel armies will begin conscription for all residents over 18 years old, residents told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.

The Arakan Army, or AA, which controls the vast majority of western Myanmar’s Rakhine State, is organizing administrative processes in the state that would make conscription a legal obligation, a source close to the AA told RFA, adding that details would be released soon.

A resident from Mrauk-U township also confirmed that the AA was holding meetings in villages to discuss details about the conscription.

“Men between the ages of 18 and 45 will undergo two months of military training and be required to serve for two years,” the resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

He added that women between the ages of 18 and 35 will also be required to serve.

No information has been released about what draftees will be required to do or whether they will serve in combat, raising concerns among civilians in the embattled region, which has witnessed brutal retaliation efforts from Myanmar’s junta.

The AA currently controls 14 of Rakhine state’s 17 townships.

RFA contacted AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha for more information, but he did not respond by the time of publication.

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With a well-organized military structure and strong local support, the AA has established de facto governance in much of the region, collecting taxes and administering justice independently from the central government.

The junta views the AA as a persistent threat, as its growing influence undermines military control and fuels aspirations for greater autonomy among other ethnic groups.

Facing serious setbacks from insurgent groups across the country, reduced foreign investment, and defections from its own troops, the junta enacted controversial conscription laws in February last year, mandating compulsory military service for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27.

​International human rights organizations have strongly criticized junta’s conscription law, arguing that it exacerbates the country’s existing humanitarian crisis and violates fundamental human rights.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, described the junta’s imposition of mandatory military service as a sign of its desperation and a further threat to civilians.

The enforcement of this law has led to a significant exodus of young people seeking to evade conscription. Reports indicate that thousands have fled across borders, particularly into Thailand, to avoid mandatory military service.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang.