Yohei Sasakawa, the Japanese special envoy to Myanmar and chairman of the Nippon Foundation, has reportedly told the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA /AA) that the ceasefire between the military council and the ethnic army should continue.
During his visit to Mrauk-U on February 4, Mr. Sasakawa also visited IDP camps in the township. He also met with representatives of ULA /AA and urged the continuation of the ceasefire, sources close to ULA told Development Media Group (DMG).
“The purpose of his trip is to build schools for the children in the IDP camps and provide medical care. He mainly urged both sides to continue the ceasefire as it is now,” the source said.
The Japanese special envoy donated warm clothes to more than 20,000 people in Mya Tan Saung, Myo Thit, Myo-U-Gaung and Tain Nyo IDP camps in Mrauk-U Township.
“He didn’t tell us that we will return to our homes. Mr. Sasakawa shared his life experiences. And he said he would help us live in peace when the fighting calms down,” he said.
The ceasefire between the military council and the Arakan Army since Nov. 26 last year was due to Mr. Sasakawa’s mediation, according to AA. The Japanese special envoy is also a key mediator and negotiator for peace in Arakan State.
“He [Mr. Sasakawa] was a key person in mediating for a ceasefire in Arakan State. We know that he will continue to do what he thinks is right, depending on whether or not hostilities between the two sides cease. And I think he will continue to do other humanitarian actions. The way I see it, he has appealed to both sides to avoid fighting so that he can turn to other public works,” said U Aung Thaung Shwe, a former lower house MP.
This is Mr. Sasakawa’s third visit to Arakan State. During his visits in 2020 and 2021, he also visited IDP camps and urged authorities to hold elections again in northern townships where elections could not be held.
Sent by DMG.