202 Civil Society Organizations Urge UN and International Diplomats to Recognize ULA/AA as Legitimate Government of Arakan

News

Global Arakan Network October 2, 2025

A coalition of 202 Arakanse civil society organizations, both domestic and international, has sent an open letter in September 2025 to the United Nations and foreign diplomats, urging them to formally recognize the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) as the legitimate government of Arakan.

U Saw Wai Zan, president of the Arakan American Community (AAC), one of the 202 organizations, explained the rationale for recognizing ULA/AA.

“In Rakhine State, ULA/AA is effectively addressing critical responsibilities for the public, including governance, security, politics, and community organization. Unlike the State Administration Council (SAC), which fails to govern adequately in conflict zones, ULA/AA has been managing diverse administrative tasks—such as territorial governance, justice, healthcare, education, and social development—for at least six years. International recognition is now essential,” he stated.

CSO groups include Rakhine, Chin, Pa-O, Palaung/Ta'ang, Bamar and other ethnic groups.

U Saw Wai Zan further elaborated on the reasons for recognition:

“ULA/AA exercises practical administrative authority, controls security, justice, and basic services in most territories, enjoys widespread public support, and is directly endorsed by Rakhine people. It is necessary to recognize ULA/AA as a responsible entity to address international disparities and systematically resolve border security issues caused by terrorist groups.”

The request focuses solely on recognizing ULA/AA’s authority in Rakhine State, not across Myanmar. The open letter was sent to UN agencies (UNDP, UNOCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP), South Asian diplomats, and embassies of the US, EU, and ASEAN countries, including the EU Delegation to Myanmar, and embassies of the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

“The goal is to pressure relevant countries to recognize ULA/AA not only as a military group but as a responsible administrative entity,” U Saw Wai Zan said.

The letter also calls on UN agencies and diplomats to address border threats and violence caused by groups like ARSA and RSO in the Rakhine-Bangladesh border region, which endanger local security. U Thein Tun Zan, secretary of the World Arakanese Organization (WAO), noted,

“RSO and ARSA’s activities have increased border security risks, with military trainees entering from Bangladesh and violence targeting locals, undermining stability. We urge international organizations and security groups to curb these terrorist groups, halt their support, and collaborate with ULA/AA for border security and peace.”

ULA/AA controls most of Arakan’s 17 townships, fully holding 14, including Ann, Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Pauktaw, Gwa, Taungup, Thandwe, and Ramree, while the SAC retains only Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung, facing AA’s military pressure.

“These areas are under ULA/AA’s governance, with widespread public trust and acceptance,” U Thein Tun Zan emphasized.

Since the SAC’s 2021 coup, it has lost public consent and practical authority in regions like Rakhine, Kachin, Chin, and Karen.

“The SAC’s legitimacy is minimal, with locals distrusting it due to its military violence and human rights abuses, effectively ending its political legitimacy,” U Saw Wai Zan stated. Internationally, the UN, EU, US, and some ASEAN members do not recognize the SAC as a legitimate government, viewing it as a terrorist entity reliant on military force.

ULA/AA’s legitimacy in Rakhine stems from its de facto authority, established administrative offices, people’s courts, health departments, education board, and social welfare programs.

“The public sees ULA/AA as a government-like entity, trusted for its non-violent governance and justice,” civil society groups noted. While not yet formally recognized internationally, ULA/AA’s practical authority is acknowledged in research as a “de facto administrative authority.”

UN agencies and INGOs already collaborate directly with ULA/AA in its controlled areas for humanitarian efforts. Compared to the SAC/SSPC, which lacks public trust, ULA/AA enjoys the confidence of Rakhine’s people, underscoring its legitimacy as the region’s governing authority.