Rakhine Party Backs Myanmar Junta at World Court

Photo: AFP/Facebook

Arakan Now | 22 Jan 2026

A Rakhine political party has publicly backed Myanmar’s military-led government as it defends itself at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against genocide allegations over its treatment of the Rohingya.

In a statement issued on January 22, the Arakan Front Party (AFP) said it fully supports Myanmar’s official delegation appearing before the court in The Hague in a case brought by The Gambia. The party said the delegation is attending hearings from January 12 to January 29.

The AFP praised the delegation, led by senior officials from the military-backed administration, for what it called a firm and responsible legal defense. It said the team is acting in line with international law and protecting Myanmar’s “sovereignty, dignity, and national interests.”

The party framed the case as an unfair attack on the state and said it stands “side by side” with Myanmar’s representatives to counter the allegations and what it described as international misunderstandings about the country.

Human rights groups say the case at the ICJ focuses on crimes committed by Myanmar’s armed forces against the Rohingya, including mass killings, forced displacement, and the destruction of villages. The military denies the accusations.

The AFP statement highlights how parts of Rakhine political leadership continue to align themselves with the military authorities, even as Rohingya victims seek justice at the world’s highest court.