Provisional Government Rejects Statements on Rohingya Issue as ICJ Ruling Nears

As the ruling on the genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) draws near, the interim government, which seized power, responded and rejected statements from some countries and media regarding the Rohingya issue on September 3. The provisional government stated that the incidents that occurred in northern Rakhine State in August 2017 were solely the actions of ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army), and that the ethnic name "Rohingya" does not exist in Myanmar. It also protested the misrepresentation and use of the term for political purposes. According to the provisional government's statement, international statements have failed to acknowledge that the situation arose from the simultaneous, pre-planned attacks by ARSA, and it was noted that its own forces suffered casualties. Furthermore, the provisional government responded that despite the loss of life and numerous injuries among staff and innocent civilians, some countries have ignored ARSA's brutal actions and should condemn all forms of terrorism and acts of violence. Regarding allegations that those currently in refugee camps in Bangladesh are from Myanmar, the government expressed concern and stated that it will work with friendly countries, including Bangladesh, to ensure that verified displaced persons can return with dignity. This rejection and counter-argument came after some countries, including the Myanmar Special Advisory Council (SAC-M), issued statements saying that the Rohingya people are still awaiting justice after nine years and are currently facing persecution and restrictions. Similarly, analysts pointed out that the military junta's response is a preemptive propaganda effort, as the plaintiff, Gambia, has indicated that a ruling is expected in October regarding the genocide case against the Rohingya at the ICJ. The ICJ case was filed by Gambia in 2019, before the military coup, accusing Myanmar of genocide, and over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh due to the Myanmar military junta's military offensives. (Photo – Social Media)