Monthly Report | No.42.April 2026

The Arakan Army’s 17th anniversary, Ongoing Military Tension, and Humanitarian Challenges

Monitoring of a brief situation of political tension, economic issues, social issues, and humanitarian issues in Arakan in April 2026.

About report

This report is part of the CAS's monthly series, which delves into four key areas of the state of Arakan. The first section addresses political concerns, including the armed revolution, junta activities, and issues of political freedom. The second examines the state's economic climate, focusing on rising prices, declining demand, foreign direct investment, and border trade. The third and fourth sections cover social and humanitarian issues, respectively; these include education, health, migration, and the internally displaced persons (IDP) population.

Key data in the report are sourced from local media outlets, such as DMG, Western News, among others. The aim of this report is to shed new light on the situation for observers endeavoring to comprehend the dynamics at play in the region.

Executive Summary

On April 11, AA Commander-in-Chief Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing declared on the group's 17th anniversary that his forces would fight until the complete liberation of Arakan/Rakhine State, rejecting any compromise with the junta and receiving solidarity from over 30 revolutionary organizations. The junta responded on April 24 by expanding its State of Emergency declaration to more than 60 townships, many of which were already under AA administration, in what analysts viewed as an acknowledgment of its weakening control. Meanwhile, China announced a high-level diplomatic visit on April 21, followed by confirmation of direct talks with AA over BRI railway security, signaling a pragmatic shift in Beijing's foreign policy.

ULA/AA-controlled areas imposed a 50 percent import tax on beverages on April 7, demonstrating growing capacity for revenue generation and customs enforcement as a proto-state entity. Cross-border trade faced major disruptions, including Bangladesh's seizure of 500 cement bags bound for Rakhine on April 4 and AA's arrest of 11 Bangladeshi nationals transporting cannabis on April 25. Most significantly, on April 20, China announced direct negotiations with AA over security for the Kyaukphyu–Yunnan BRI railway corridor, effectively bypassing the junta's authority.

On April 3, ULA-controlled areas launched a crackdown on fake doctors and unlicensed clinics, demonstrating growing capacity to regulate healthcare professional standards. However, typhoid cases rose on April 22 due to poor water quality and inadequate sanitation, prompting health authorities to intensify hygiene awareness campaigns. On the religious front, the Arakan government funded Easter celebrations in Kyauktaw on April 8 and attended a Christian Bible school graduation, signaling a strategic commitment to interfaith inclusivity.

A report on April 1 revealed that 128 civilians had been killed in March alone, and on April 23 humanitarian agencies warned that ongoing airstrikes were directly endangering children's survival across Rakhine State. The military conducted mass arrests throughout April, detaining at least 20 Muslims from Ramree, nine boat travelers in Sittwe, seven Rakhine IDPs in Magway, and approximately 70 residents in Sittwe—many held incommunicado. On April 30, strong winds and heavy rainfall damaged IDP camps in Ponnagyun and Kyauktaw, creating an urgent need for emergency shelter materials as humanitarian conditions reached critical levels.

Key Developments

A - Politics: Three Key Highlights

B - Economic Fall down: Three Key Highlights

C - Social Crisis: Three Key Highlights

D - Humanitarian Issue: Three Key Highlights

A - Politics: Three Key Highlights

1. AA Commander-in-Chief pledges to fight until all of Rakhine State is liberated (April 11, 2026)

On the AA's 17th anniversary, Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing declared that his forces would continue fighting "until the end of the sky and earth" to fully liberate Rakhine State, rejecting any compromise with the junta. The speech was met with solidarity from over 30 revolutionary organizations, including CRPH and various ethnic armed groups, who sent congratulatory messages.

2. Junta declares State of Emergency in over 60 townships, including AA-controlled areas (April 24, 2026)

Myanmar's military regime expanded its State of Emergency declaration to more than 60 townships, many of which were already under complete AA administration. The move was widely interpreted as an acknowledgment of the junta's weakening control, as it sought to maintain legal authority without corresponding military presence on the ground.

3. Chinese Foreign Minister to visit Myanmar on April 26 (announced April 21, 2026)

Amid escalating civil war and AA territorial gains, China announced high-level diplomatic visit to Myanmar, reflecting Beijing's growing concern over regional instability. Just one day earlier, China also confirmed it would hold direct talks with AA over BRI railway security, bypassing the junta entirely.

Summarized Overview

Throughout April 2026, the Arakan Army (AA) continued consolidating administrative and judicial control across much of Rakhine State, celebrating its 17th anniversary with prisoner releases and ethnic unity events, while the Myanmar military junta (SSPC) responded with intensified multi-aircraft airstrikes...Read More

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