Govt admits to security weaknesses in Sittwe
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The government admitted weaknesses in security when mobs attacked the offices and houses of foreign aid workers in Sittwe two weeks ago.
In a statement issued yesterday, the government pledged safety for the remaining United Nations agency staff and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in Sittwe.
It would also help in the safe return of UN and INGO workers who were evacuated to Yangon during the violence in Sittwe. Foreign aid workers were evacuated from the Rakhine State capital on March 26 and 27 after angry crowds attacked their offices and living quarters in the latest round of violence to hit the troubled region.
Many were eventually provided shelter by security services in sites around the city and then evacuated to Yangon.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Renata Dessallien welcomed the government’s response and the establishment of an Investigation Commission chaired by the Deputy Minister for Border Affairs.
“I echo the Investigation Commission’s concern that the security services were unable to respond effectively and rapidly enough to the incidents on the 26 and 27 March to protect UN and NGO properties in Sittwe. I welcome the Government’s commitment that the perpetrators of violence will be brought to justice,” said Dessallien in a statement released today.
The central government and the Rakhine regional government are discussing how to beef up the security system so that UN and international aid workers can safely perform their work in the future, according to the release.
Deputy Minister for Border Affairs, Maj-General Maung Maung Ohn who currently chairs the government commission into the Sittwe violence, said that he would continue discussions so that the UN and INGOs could resume their humanitarian work.
“We will discuss detailed points with the UN and the INGOs today. We will travel to Sittwe tomorrow and continue discussions about security affairs and humanitarian works with the concerned INGOs. We will carry out the tasks to meet with success,” said Maj-General Maung Maung Ohn.
Furthermore, the capacity of local security forces will be improved and assistance forces will be dispatched during emergencies. The government has also promised to expose instigators and take action against them.
A total of 14 offices, 16 houses, 15 warehouses, 14 vehicles and 29 motorcycles were destroyed in the ensuing violence. Total damage was estimated at Ks 430 million [US$ 430,000].
