Attachments
Myanmar’s military has lost its grip on most of Chin State, but disputes between two anti-regime factions are hindering delivery of vital services and return of the displaced. Donors should do all they can to help while the armed groups work to heal the rift.
What’s new? Since the February 2021 military coup, armed resistance groups have expelled regime forces from most of Chin State in western Myanmar. But deep divisions between two rebel factions have led to deadly clashes that are complicating agreement on statewide political, governance and justice matters.
Why does it matter? The conflict has displaced some 160,000 people – more than one third of Chin State’s population – either internally or across the Indian border. Their return requires stability and safety as well as access to markets and essential services. Beyond these immediate needs, divisions in the resistance impede consensus on the state’s political future.
What should be done? Rival armed groups have committed to uniting. To do so, they should establish formal communication channels, which could prevent misunderstandings and flare-ups; they should also identify shared political goals for the state. Donors should scale up humanitarian, livelihood and governance support to Chin State, which is hard to reach and badly neglected.