Friday | 10 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Friday | 10 January 2025 | Epaper

Peace in Myanmar, region depends on lasting solution to Rohingya issue

Published : Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 378
Arnab Ashraf
In this time of unpredictable geo-politics realms the Myanmar's prospects for lasting peace remain inextricably linked to the fate of the Rohingya people!

The brutal military crackdown on this marginalised Muslim minority in 2017, labelled by the United Nations as 'ethnic cleansing and genocide,' has not only devastated the Rohingya but also left deep scars on the nation and the region. The consequences of this crisis extend far beyond Myanmar's borders, straining neighbouring countries and drawing international condemnations. Yet, despite the global outcry, its path to reconciliation and stability has still been remaining stalled, obstructed by the unresolved Rohingya crisis. Till this issue remains unaddressed, the prospect of peace in Myanmar will remain unattainable. This has been sharply assumed, but not effectively addressed.

The forced displacement of Rohingyas to neighbouring Bangladesh, where over a million refugees now live, represents not just a humanitarian tragedy but a political and social crisis that must be resolved for Myanmar to regain its equilibrium. The Rohingya's demand for repatriation is, yet, fraught with critical challenges.

The desire of Rohingyas to return is safely with dignity not simply about recovering material possessions, but about reclaiming a life of equality, security, and freedom that was denied to them in Myanmar. Unfortunately, the repatriation process is complicated by the fact that many of the new settlements built for the Rohingya are located far from their original homes, deepening the uncertainty surrounding their future. Most importantly, the failure to address the root cause of the crisis-ethnic and religious discrimination-means that any repatriation without guarantees of safety, citizenship, and equal rights would merely perpetuate their plight.

The Rohingya crisis, while primarily a humanitarian issue, has far-reaching geopolitical consequences. Bangladesh, which has generously hosted the refugees for years, is facing immense pressure on its resources, infrastructure, and security. The refugee camps are overcrowded, and the strain on local healthcare and education systems has created a volatile situation. Also, Myanmar's refusal to accept the return of these refugees has exacerbated the tension with Bangladesh, resulting in periodic border skirmishes and further destabilising the region.

The implications extend beyond the immediate neighbours. The international community, notably the United Nations and human rights organisations, has consistently condemned Myanmar's actions. Yet, the global response has been largely ineffective, with limited diplomatic pressure exerted on Myanmar to allow the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya. This failure exposes the limitations of international diplomacy in addressing deeply entrenched ethnic conflicts. Without a coordinated, forceful international effort to compel Myanmar to act, the situation is likely to further escalate. 

In the heart of Myanmar's political instability is the military regime, Tatmadaw, which has maintained an iron grip on power for decades. Despite periods of nominal civilian governance, the military continues to wield substantial control over the country's political and economic systems. The most recent coup in February 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, marked a decisive step back from democratic reforms. Tatmadaw's justification for the coup-alleged election fraud-was widely condemned.

Aung San Suu Kyi's role in Myanmar's future is indispensable for any attempt to dismantle the military's dominance. While her reputation has been tarnished due to her handling of the Rohingya crisis, Suu Kyi remains a central figure in Myanmar's political landscape. Her leadership, both symbolically and practically, is vital for any meaningful resistance to the military junta. The National League for Democracy (NLD), her political party, remains the most popular political force in Myanmar, with broad support across ethnic and religious lines. Her imprisonment and the military's efforts to silence her party only reinforce her significance as a unifying figure.

For Myanmar to come out from the military's iron grip, a political solution that includes Suu Kyi and the NLD is crucial. Despite the deep division within Myanmar's political and ethnic landscape, Suu Kyi's ability to unite the population around a common cause-democracy, freedom, and peace-remains a powerful force. The military junta continues to marginalise Suu Kyi and her allies, preventing any meaningful democratic transition.

Myanmar's military-led oppression of ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya, has fuelled resentment and division throughout the country. The military's role in the persecution of the Rohingya is undeniable, and its refusal to acknowledge the gravity of its actions has made reconciliation nearly impossible.

Resolving the Rohingya crisis requires more than just the safe return of refugees. It requires a fundamental shift in Myanmar's political and social fabric. A comprehensive roadmap for repatriation must be developed, with guarantees from the Myanmar government that the Rohingyas will be granted citizenship, access to healthcare, education, and employment, and protection from violence and discrimination. For any secured and expectable repatriation of Rohingyas the UN's guarantee is vital and essential. 

Besides, regional actors, particularly ASEAN member states, must play a leading role in facilitating this process. ASEAN has been largely passive in addressing the Rohingya crisis, but its involvement is crucial if Myanmar is to achieve lasting peace. ASEAN countries must collaborate to create a framework that not only ensures the safety and dignity of the returning Rohingyas but also addresses the root causes of the crisis: ethnic and religious intolerance.

In addition to facilitating the repatriation of the Rohingyas, the international community must focus on rehabilitating Rakhine State, which has been devastated by violence. Rebuilding the region and fostering social cohesion are vital for any peace process to be sustainable. This will require significant investment and cooperation from both Myanmar's government and the international community.

Myanmar's military-led governance has perpetuated deep divisions within the country, and the Rohingya crisis is a stark manifestation of this. Tatmadaw's stranglehold on power, combined with the failure to address the root causes of the crisis, has left Myanmar in a perpetual state of instability. For lasting peace to be achieved, the military must be held accountable for its actions, and the rights of the Rohingyas must be fully restored.

The Rohingya issue cannot be sidelined in Myanmar's peace process. Without addressing the statelessness, discrimination, and human rights abuses that have plagued this group for decades, Myanmar will remain mired in conflict. Resolving the Rohingya crisis is not just a humanitarian imperative. This is a fundamental step towards restoring peace, democracy, and stability not only for Myanmar but also for the entire region.

The international community, including Myanmar's neighbours and global powers, must take decisive action. The international community must support Bangladesh in providing aid and facilitating the safe return of the Rohingyas. Regional powers like China and India must use their diplomatic influence to encourage Myanmar to end its violent repression and work toward a just and lasting solution of the Rohingya issue.

The Rohingya crisis is a microcosm of Myanmar's larger political and social struggles. It reflects the deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions that have plagued Myanmar for decades. The military's control over the country, combined with its refusal to grant equal rights to the Rohingyas, has created a volatile and unstable situation. Until the issue of the Rohingya is addressed, the country's journey towards lasting peace will remain blocked.

Without addressing ethnic discrimination, ensuring justice, and including all political voices, the lasting stability will also remain elusive. The UN and international community must act decisively to resolve this deep-rooted conflict.
 
The writer is a journalist with The Daily Observer



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