19 Jul 2022 | 09:12 AM UTC
Myanmar: Officials restrict NGO workers from entering northern Maungdaw, Rakhine State, as of July 19
Officials restrict nongovernmental organization staff from entering north Maungdaw, Rakhine, Myanmar, as of July 19 over security concerns.
Event
Myanmar military regime officials have restricted nongovernmental organization (NGO) workers from entering the northern parts of Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, as of July 19 over security concerns. Affected groups include the Myanmar Red Cross Society; it is unclear if authorities provide any exemptions from the policy. Reports indicate that NGO employees who wish to travel to the restricted localities must obtain permission from the ministry of border affairs. The enforcement level of the regulation will likely vary across the affected region.
Business disruptions are likely for NGOs that operate in the impacted localities.
The impact area is around 100 km (62 miles) north-northwest of Sittwe.
Context
Officials announced the measure amid increased tension and sporadic clashes between regime forces and the ethnically-based armed group Arakan Army (AA) as of July 2022. The increase in fighting has occurred despite the informal ceasefire that the AA and the military (Tatmadaw) agreed on, November 2020, and the relative lack of large-scale armed clashes in Rakhine State following the February 2021 military coup in comparison to other states and regions in Myanmar.
Advice
Heed all official orders. Plan for business disruptions if impacted by the restrictions. Maintain contact with affected employees, especially staff who obtain permission to travel to the impacted areas.
