Myanmar’s Rakhine State on the Brink of Famine Amid Economic Collapse

Rakhine State, Myanmar – A dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where escalating conflict and economic collapse have left approximately two million people at imminent risk of starvation. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warns that the region is facing a “total economic collapse,” with severe food shortages and hyperinflation exacerbating the situation.​

Economic Breakdown and Food Insecurity

The conflict between Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army has intensified, leading to widespread displacement and disruption of livelihoods. Military-imposed trade blockades have severely restricted the flow of goods, causing food prices to soar tenfold in some areas. Rice production has plummeted, with projections indicating that only 97,000 tons will be produced this year—enough to meet just 20% of the population’s needs. In response to the scarcity, some residents have resorted to consuming rice bran, typically used as animal feed, to stave off hunger.

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Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The crisis has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including the Rohingya Muslim minority and internally displaced persons. Access to humanitarian aid is severely limited due to bureaucratic hurdles and ongoing conflict, leaving many without essential services such as healthcare and clean water. The UNDP reports that basic health programs have ceased, and essential medicines like paracetamol are nearly unobtainable due to exorbitant costs.​The Guardian

Calls for International Intervention

UN officials describe the situation as unprecedented, emphasizing that the crisis extends beyond a typical famine. Kanni Wignaraja, UN assistant secretary-general and regional director for the UNDP, stated, “This is much larger than a famine. It’s a political disaster and a collapse.” The UNDP urges the international community to lift trade restrictions and allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to prevent further deterioration.​

A Broader Political Crisis

The humanitarian disaster in Rakhine State is a manifestation of Myanmar’s broader political turmoil following the military coup in 2021. The junta’s actions have led to widespread economic instability and civil unrest across the country. Without a comprehensive political resolution and coordinated international support, the crisis in Rakhine—and Myanmar as a whole—is poised to worsen.