The Arakan Army (AA) is carefully monitoring the junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Rakhine State, according to AA spokesperson, U Khaing Thukha.

He made the comments at an AA/United League of Arakan (ULA, the political wing of the AA) press conference on 27 February.

He said: “If he [Min Aung Hlaing] is here to solve the current crisis and free our people from prohibitions and restrictions, this visit is welcome. However, if he is here to create an optimistic political view [of what is happening in Rakhine State] to the international community or to show off that Rakhine State is completely calm and peaceful… we will not accept it.”

He also said that they would also listen and take action if Min Aung Hlaing made promises that he could, or would, not keep. But, if he just did things that benefit the people of Rakhine State the AA would welcome his visit.

“We know that the junta is visiting Rakhine State. So, if the military junta Chairman's visit benefits the people of Rakhine State, especially if he eases the current prohibitions and restrictions or restores Rakhine people’s living conditions by supporting business, developmental progress, and other things, we will not have anything in particular to say”, he added.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited a Western Military Command Sittwe army base in Rakhine State on the afternoon of 26 February.

He met officers soldiers and their families and made a speech before visiting the Tatmadaw Hospital in Sittwe.