Myanmar youth caught between forced conscription and recruitment campaigns in Rakhine State

The opening ceremony at an Arakan Army training school in an undisclosed location, Arakan State, in July 2025. (Photo: Mg Aung Tun)

An unknown number of males, aged 18-45, and females, aged 18-27, in Arakan State are facing systemic forced conscription and movement restrictions by both the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military, according to a study published by the Center for Arakan Studies (CAS).

The report, titled “The Future of Arakan’s New Generation Amid Military, Political and Socioeconomic Crises,” documents how youth are increasingly trapped between military recruitment, travel blockades, economic collapse, and shrinking educational opportunities.

AA forced recruitment and checkpoint detention

Following its Nov. 13, 2023 offensive that secured control over 14 of Arakan’s 17 townships and Paletwa Township in Chin State, the Arakan Army (AA) introduced its “National Defence Emergency Provision” in March 2025.

“Recruitment has been taking place in every township in [AA] controlled areas,” a resident of Mrauk-U Township reported, adding that the ULA/AA actively detains eligible youth at regional checkpoints to prevent them from fleeing the state or avoiding service.

In Thandwe Township alone, more than 80 youth were detained while trying to depart AA-controlled territory and subsequently funneled into military training camps.

Regime forced conscription in urban areas

Concurrently, the regime in Naypyidaw has weaponized its February 2024 conscription law across remaining military-controlled urban area, specifically the state capital Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung townships. All are under regime control.