The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly collected funds from Rohingya businessmen in northern Rakhine State, raising concerns over coercion and mounting pressure on the local population.

According to local sources, on April 8, 2026, AA authorities summoned 15 Rohingya businessmen from villages in Area (6) of Maungdaw Township and demanded financial contributions to support the renovation of the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone, including road infrastructure improvements.

The total amount collected was reported at approximately 1,000,000 kyats, with individual contributions ranging between 500,000 and 1,000,000 kyats per businessman.

Sources indicated that the funding drive is linked to plans to reopen the Maungdaw–Teknaf border trade route. Once operational, goods are expected to move between the Kanyinchaung Economic Zone and Teknaf Port in neighboring Bangladesh. Authorities reportedly cited the need to repair deteriorating infrastructure and improve transport connectivity as justification for the collection.

However, residents allege that the payments were not voluntary, describing them as enforced contributions under pressure.

In a separate development, local sources reported that on April 10, Rohingya village administrators from northern Maungdaw were summoned to a meeting in Township (10), where they were allegedly threatened with violence, including the destruction of their homes, if instructions were not followed.

These incidents have heightened fears among residents, who say they are facing increasing coercion and insecurity amid shifting control dynamics in the region.

Community members expressed concern that such measures could further strain already vulnerable populations and deepen instability in northern Rakhine State.

 

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