In this article, published by Dhaka Tribune on 2 March,  I reveal a troubling contradiction in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) stance on the Rohingya crisis. Although the OIC strongly supports The Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, its Special Envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Khairat, recently held discussions with individuals reportedly linked to armed groups and Myanmar’s military inside the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

I document evidence showing that some attendees at these meetings are tied to the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), the Arakan Rohingya Salavation Army (ARSA) and also to Dil Muhammad, a known collaborator with Myanmar’s junta who has coerced fellow refugees. This clash between the OIC’s public rhetoric and their on-the-ground conduct is surprising, to say the least. If the organisation is truly defending Rohingya rights, why is it seen hobnobbing with people who have played a part in their suffering? Why is Bangladesh allowing such meetings to take place? 

So far, both ARSA and the OIC itself remain silent on the matter, despite requests for clarification. RSO has issued a vague denial, claiming no one met Khairat as an “RSO representative,” but leaving open the possibility that certain members were still present.

If you’re interested in the full details - names, affiliations - check out the article in the Dhaka Tribune.

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