Chief minister apologises for inviting MSF back to Rakhine State

The letter was distributed to local social organisations, monks, religious-protection groups and town elders.   

The chief minister said he was deeply sorry for the widespread discontent among local Rakhine people over the invitation for MSF to return to the state. It was ordered to withdraw from the state at the end of February.

Maung Maung Ohn said in the letter that he had to invite the medical aid group back into the state even though this completely violates the will of Rakhine people. 

He explained that the invitation was made because it is necessary to cooperate with UN agencies and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in order to ensure the effective implementation of development plans under the action plan for Rakhine State.

The state is the second poorest in the Union.

The move is also a reaction to the harsh criticism globally that followed MSF’s expulsion from the state and is intended to erase the negative perceptions that followed MSF’s expulsion.

The letter also said that the state government would assume the leading role in coordinating with UN agencies and international NGOs working the state.