Despite the passage of five weeks since Cyclone Mocha struck central Myanmar, the military junta’s restrictions on aid delivery persist, hampering relief efforts for over a million affected civilians. The United Nations (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have encountered obstacles in providing much-needed assistance, shedding light on the junta’s increasing isolation and strained relations with ethnic armed organizations like the Arakan Army.
Cyclone Mocha’s Impact
Cyclone Mocha, categorized as a severe Category 5 tropical cyclone, made landfall on May 14, causing extensive devastation in central Rakhine State and other regions of Myanmar. The storm flattened houses, disrupted infrastructure, and cut off electricity supplies. While the State Administration Council reported a death toll of 145, the opposition National Unity Government estimates the number to exceed 400.
Obstacles to Relief Efforts
Immediate efforts to scale up assistance and initiate reconstruction were hindered by the military junta, which took control of relief operations. Aid workers, both local and international, faced travel restrictions and limitations imposed by the junta. Some local aid workers were detained, and journalists were arrested, further complicating the relief efforts.
ASEAN’s Involvement and UN Challenges
ASEAN’s Emergency Response and Assessment Team conducted a rapid needs assessment by the end of May, but the junta has imposed restrictions on their aid delivery. The UN also faced limitations in providing relief due to the junta’s control and impediments to international aid operations. The replenishment of relief supplies from outside the country has been significantly restricted, affecting the overall humanitarian response.
Tensions and Political Factors
The military junta’s restrictions on aid may be partly attributed to tensions between the State Administration Council and the Arakan Army, an insurgent group. The Arakan Army played an active role in evacuating around 100,000 civilians and providing relief efforts, highlighting their administrative consolidation in Rakhine State. Media aligned with the junta propagated negative narratives about the Arakan Army’s efforts, while the group claimed that the junta intentionally restricted aid.
UN’s Credibility and Diplomatic Challenges
The UN’s credibility has been undermined by the junta’s refusal to cooperate with the UN country team. Despite high-level consultations, the junta continues to rebuff the UN’s appeals for operational access. Diplomatic efforts and ASEAN’s humanitarian engagement have also faced challenges in dealing with the junta’s reluctance to facilitate relief efforts.
The military junta’s ongoing restrictions on aid delivery following Cyclone Mocha have severely impeded relief efforts in Myanmar. The UN and ASEAN’s attempts to provide assistance to affected civilians have been met with obstacles and limitations imposed by the junta. The situation highlights the junta’s increasing isolation and strained relations with ethnic armed organizations. Urgent efforts are required to overcome these challenges and ensure that essential aid reaches the affected population in a timely manner.
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