Arakan Army Chief Twan Mrat Naing has become one of the most important figures in Myanmar’s changing political and military landscape. As head of the Arakan Army, or AA, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan, he now leads one of the strongest ethnic armed organizations in the country. His latest interview gives rare insight into the AA’s strategy, its talks with Myanmar’s military government, and its relations with Bangladesh, India, China, and the Rohingya community.

The Arakan Army was formed in 2009. Since then, it has grown from a small armed movement into a powerful force in western Myanmar. Today, the AA controls large parts of Arakan, also known as Rakhine State. The group claims it controls almost 90 percent of the region. That makes it one of the most successful armed groups in Myanmar’s current conflict.

However, this success has also created new problems. The AA now faces military pressure, humanitarian needs, border security challenges, accusations of human rights abuses, and the question of how to govern areas under its control. Twan Mrat Naing’s comments show that the AA is no longer only a battlefield force. It now wants to present itself as a political actor, a regional partner, and a future governing authority in Arakan.

Who Is Twan Mrat Naing?

Twan Mrat Naing is the leader of the Arakan Army and the United League of Arakan. He studied law in Sittwe but did not complete the course. During his youth, he became involved in student activism and had early encounters with Myanmar’s military.

His political journey began before the formation of the Arakan Army. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he traveled across borders and met different Arakanese and ethnic revolutionary groups. He later concluded that older Rakhine political and armed organizations lacked unity and strength.

That realization pushed him toward a new path. Instead of trying to merge existing groups, he decided to build a new movement. He formed links with the Kachin Independence Army, or KIA, and other ethnic armed organizations. The KIA later helped train early Arakan Army members.

According to his account, only 26 trainees joined the first training program, although the group hoped to train 50. Over time, however, the AA grew quickly. By 2013, the group had expanded networks in Shan State, the Golden Triangle area, and near the Bangladesh border.

The AA’s first major clash with Myanmar’s military took place in March 2015 in Paletwa, near the Bangladesh border. From that point, the organization became a rising force in Myanmar’s armed conflict.

Why the Arakan Army Became Powerful

Twan Mrat Naing says several factors helped the Arakan Army grow. The first factor was public support. In his view, the AA succeeded because it rebuilt trust among communities in Arakan.

This point is important because Rakhine State has suffered deep ethnic and religious divisions. The Rohingya crisis, military operations, displacement, and communal violence damaged relations between communities for many years. Twan Mrat Naing argues that the AA tried to speak with different groups, including Muslim communities, and explain its political goals.

The second factor was terrain. Arakan has mountains, rivers, forests, and coastal areas. These conditions made it difficult for Myanmar’s military to control the region fully. While the military had more weapons and better infrastructure, the AA used the terrain to its advantage.

The third factor was discipline and preparation. Twan Mrat Naing praises AA soldiers and officers for bravery and commitment. He also says the organization made strong use of technology, including satellite communication.

Together, these factors helped the AA become one of Myanmar’s strongest armed groups. Still, he does not describe the group’s success as complete. He says the AA must remain patient, focused, and careful with limited resources.

Talks With Myanmar’s Military Government

One of the most important parts of the interview concerns possible talks with Myanmar’s military government. Twan Mrat Naing says political dialogue and stability are in everyone’s interest. However, he also makes clear that talks must reflect the current situation on the ground.

In previous discussions hosted in China, the AA reportedly demanded that Myanmar military forces should not remain stationed in Arakan. Those talks failed. According to Twan Mrat Naing, the military government wants the situation to return to the pre-2023 position. He rejects that idea.

His argument is simple: if the military asks the AA to go back to the old position, then Arakanese people can also ask to return to 1784, the year Arakan lost its independence as a kingdom.

This statement shows the deep historical thinking behind Arakan nationalism. For the AA, the conflict is not only about recent battles. It is also about historical identity, self-rule, and political dignity.

At the same time, Twan Mrat Naing does not close the door to talks. He says negotiations must be inclusive, sincere, and realistic. In other words, he wants talks based on present power realities, not past military control.

Airstrikes and Civilian Safety

The interview also highlights the danger of airstrikes in Arakan. Myanmar’s military has used airpower heavily in many conflict areas. Twan Mrat Naing says civilian safety is a priority for the AA. He also says the group is working with the international community to record aerial attacks.

However, he admits that these efforts have not been very effective. Airstrikes remain a serious humanitarian concern. Civilians in conflict zones face death, displacement, trauma, and loss of homes.

This issue also affects political dialogue. Twan Mrat Naing says it will be difficult to explore the political process while the military continues bombing civilians. In his view, the military wants to talk from a position of strength. He says the AA will not surrender under such pressure.

This shows the difficult balance between war and negotiation. On one side, many people want peace. On the other side, continued attacks make trust almost impossible.

Relations With Bangladesh

Bangladesh plays a major role in Arakan’s future. The two sides share a border, and more than one million Rohingya refugees live in camps in Bangladesh. Trade, refugee return, fishing, border security, and militant activity all connect Bangladesh to the conflict in Arakan.

Twan Mrat Naing says the AA wants to work with Bangladesh to create a suitable environment. He argues that existing actors in Arakan must be recognized and empowered. In his view, without accepting ground realities, refugee return and regional stability will remain difficult.

He also says the AA wants trade with Bangladesh to resume. Many communities on both sides of the border depend on trade, fishing, and cross-border economic activity. If the situation becomes stable, trade could help ordinary people.

However, security remains a major concern. Twan Mrat Naing says Rohingya militant groups such as ARSA and RSO could create more problems. He also claims Myanmar’s military has provided weapons to Rohingya armed groups. He warns that a two-front war would not benefit Arakan or Bangladesh.

His message to Bangladesh is cautious but clear. The AA wants cooperation, trade, and stability. However, it also wants Bangladesh to avoid supporting armed groups that could destabilize the border.

Rohingya Refugees and Return

The Rohingya issue remains one of the most sensitive questions in Arakan. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Myanmar after military operations, especially in 2017. Many now live in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar refugee camps.

Twan Mrat Naing says the AA wants to create conditions for refugee return. However, he also says pushing refugees back into a war zone would not be humane. In his view, return must happen only when a safe and suitable environment exists.

This point matters because refugee return has often been discussed politically, but real conditions remain dangerous. Homes, land rights, security guarantees, citizenship questions, and community relations all need serious solutions.

The AA’s position appears to be that refugee return is possible, but not under current war conditions. The organization also wants regional actors to accept the AA’s role in any future process.

Relations With India

India is another important neighbor. Arakan connects to India through regional security concerns, border areas, and the Kaladan project. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is important for India because it links India’s northeast to the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar.

Twan Mrat Naing calls India an important player in the region. He says the AA wants more cooperation with India and is ready to help with the Kaladan project.

Security is also a concern. He warns that Rohingya armed groups could become a regional threat. He also suggests that outside actors might exploit refugee communities for militancy. Therefore, he says the AA is ready to cooperate with neighboring countries.

For India, this creates a difficult diplomatic challenge. The Indian government has historically dealt with Myanmar’s central government and military. However, if the AA controls large parts of Arakan, India may need practical communication with the AA to protect projects and border security.

China’s Role in the Conflict

China has strong interests in Myanmar, including energy pipelines, trade routes, border stability, and political influence. Twan Mrat Naing says China is keen to see a stable Myanmar. He does not describe China’s actions as pressure, although others may see them that way.

His answer is careful. He recognizes that China will protect its interests, just as every country does. This shows that the AA understands China’s importance but does not want to appear controlled by Beijing.

China has hosted talks between Myanmar’s military and ethnic armed groups in the past. It wants stability near its border and protection for its investments. However, China also faces a complex situation because many ethnic armed organizations now control important border areas.

For the AA, China can be both a mediator and a source of pressure. Therefore, the group must manage relations with China carefully.

Human Rights Allegations

The AA has faced allegations from Rohingya, Chin, Khumi, and other groups. Some accusations include forced conscription and human rights abuses. Twan Mrat Naing rejects some of these claims and says certain activists weaponize human rights language for political benefit.

However, he also admits that Rakhine State is in a state of war and that emergency measures are necessary. He says the AA explains duties and responsibilities to recruits.

This part of the interview is important because military success brings responsibility. If the AA wants to govern Arakan, it must answer questions about civilian rights, minority protection, recruitment, justice, and accountability.

Even if some accusations are politically motivated, strong governance requires transparency. Communities will judge the AA not only by its battlefield performance but also by how it treats civilians under its control.

Drugs and Border Crime

Twan Mrat Naing also discusses drug trafficking. He says drug problems in Rakhine State are now less severe than under military rule. However, he admits the problem has not disappeared.

Drug routes can run through fishing boats, ships, border areas, and inland networks. He says drug production in Myanmar remains industrial in scale, especially in other regions such as Shan State.

This is another major challenge for the AA. If it controls territory, it must also control crime. Drug trafficking can damage society, fund armed groups, create corruption, and destroy young lives.

Border areas are especially vulnerable because state authority is weak. Therefore, any future Arakan administration will need strong law enforcement, community cooperation, and regional coordination.

Health Care and Humanitarian Needs

The interview also reveals serious health care problems in Arakan. Many communities face shortages of doctors, medicine, and medical equipment. Internally displaced people live in difficult conditions.

Twan Mrat Naing says the AA is trying to improve health services. He mentions plans to open a medical college and nursing academy in Rakhine State. He also says the group plans to train 120 nurses and currently has around 50 to 60 doctors.

This shows the AA’s ambition to act like a government, not just an armed group. Health care, education, security, and administration are all part of state-building.

However, building institutions during war is extremely hard. Airstrikes, displacement, blocked roads, limited money, and shortages of trained professionals all create major barriers.

Still, the plan to train nurses and recruit doctors shows that the AA understands the importance of public services. People may support armed groups during war, but long-term legitimacy depends on services and fairness.

The Spring Revolution and Myanmar’s Future

Twan Mrat Naing says the future of Myanmar’s Spring Revolution does not depend on the AA alone. He says many factors matter, including people in central Myanmar, local dynamics, and other resistance groups.

This is a realistic view. Myanmar’s conflict is not one single war. It is a collection of many connected struggles. Ethnic armed organizations, local resistance groups, the National Unity Government, civil society, and ordinary citizens all play different roles.

The AA has grown very powerful in Arakan. However, the wider revolution still faces challenges. Myanmar’s military has suffered major losses, but it has also made comebacks in some areas. The war remains unpredictable.

Twan Mrat Naing says there may be more bloodshed because of the military’s tactics. His statement suggests that the conflict may continue for some time unless serious political negotiations begin.

What Arakan May Face in the Next Two Years

When asked about the future of Arakan, Twan Mrat Naing says he wants people’s suffering to end as soon as possible. He also says the AA must prepare for the worst while trying to fulfill the hopes of the people.

This answer reflects both hope and caution. The AA has gained large territory, but the next stage may be harder than the battlefield victories. Governing a war-torn region requires food supply, health care, education, security, diplomacy, justice, and economic recovery.

Arakan also sits between powerful forces. Myanmar’s military still wants control. Bangladesh worries about refugees and border security. India cares about regional projects and security. China wants stability and investment protection. Rohingya refugees want safety, rights, and a future. Local Rakhine communities want self-rule and protection.

Therefore, Arakan’s future will depend on more than military power. It will depend on political wisdom, inclusive governance, regional diplomacy, and humanitarian responsibility.

Why This Interview Matters

This interview matters because it shows the Arakan Army at a turning point. The AA is no longer only fighting for territory. It is now speaking about diplomacy, refugee return, health care, trade, border security, and future governance.

Twan Mrat Naing presents the AA as a mature political force that wants recognition. He also sends messages to Myanmar’s military, Bangladesh, India, China, Rohingya communities, and international actors.

His central message is that negotiations must follow reality on the ground. The AA controls much of Arakan, and any future settlement must include the group. At the same time, control brings responsibility. The AA must prove that it can protect civilians, respect minority rights, manage security, and provide services.

For Myanmar, Arakan’s future could become a major test case. If the AA builds a stable administration, it may change how ethnic regions imagine self-rule. If conflict continues, civilians will suffer more.

Conclusion

The Arakan Army Chief’s interview gives a rare look into one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed movements. Twan Mrat Naing speaks as a military leader, political strategist, and potential regional administrator. His comments show confidence, but they also show the difficult road ahead.

The AA has achieved major military success in Arakan. However, the next challenges may be even greater. Peace talks, airstrikes, Rohingya return, Bangladesh relations, India’s interests, China’s influence, drug trafficking, health care shortages, and human rights concerns all require careful leadership.

Arakan now stands at a historic moment. The future will depend not only on who controls land, but also on who can build trust, protect civilians, and create a workable political future.

FAQs

1. Who is Twan Mrat Naing?

Twan Mrat Naing is the chief of the Arakan Army and leader of its political wing, the United League of Arakan. He is one of the most influential ethnic armed leaders in Myanmar today.

2. What is the Arakan Army?

The Arakan Army is an ethnic armed organization formed in 2009. It fights for greater autonomy and political rights for Arakan, also known as Rakhine State.

3. How much of Arakan does the AA control?

According to the interview, the Arakan Army controls almost 90 percent of Arakan. This makes it one of the strongest armed groups in Myanmar’s current conflict.

4. Is the Arakan Army willing to talk with Myanmar’s military?

Twan Mrat Naing says political dialogue and stability are important. However, he argues that any talks must reflect the current ground reality and should not force the AA back to the pre-2023 situation.

5. What does the AA say about Rohingya refugees?

The AA says it wants to create conditions for refugee return. However, Twan Mrat Naing says returning refugees to a war zone would not be humane. He says a safe and suitable environment must come first.

6. Why are Bangladesh and India important to Arakan?

Bangladesh is important because of border trade, Rohingya refugees, and security concerns. India is important because of regional security and projects such as the Kaladan project.

7. What are the AA’s biggest challenges now?

The AA faces many challenges, including airstrikes, humanitarian needs, health care shortages, drug trafficking, human rights allegations, border security, and the need to govern areas under its control.