Residents of Gwa Township in Myanmar's Rakhine State are being forced to pay large bribes at military checkpoints as they attempt to flee the intensifying violence near their homes.

The Myanmar military junta, currently battling the Arakan Army (AA) in the region, has set up numerous checkpoints on the state boundary with Ayeyarwady Region, making it difficult for displaced civilians to leave.

Many of those fleeing do not have proper identification or documentation due to the collapse of administrative services. According to locals, most junta-appointed civil servants fled the township weeks ago, leaving residents unable to access vital administrative functions.

The collapse of the local administration occurred after the Arakan Army launched an offensive in Gwa Township on August 10, which disrupted the Myanmar military regime’s control in the area. The displaced civilians, lacking the necessary documents, have reported being forced to pay extortionate bribes in order to pass through the checkpoints and escape the ongoing conflict.

"There’s no functioning administration in Gwa as the employees have all fled," said one displaced person. The lack of governance has left many residents without access to vital services, further complicating their efforts to flee the area safely.

The violence in Rakhine State continues to escalate, as the Arakan Army fights the junta for control of the region, further displacing civilians and worsening the humanitarian crisis.
 

BOB Post