The Myanmar military has reached an agreement with an armed ethnic group on a ceasefire in the western state of Rakhine. The decision was reached based on humanitarian concerns.

The military and the armed Buddhist group, the Arakan Army, announced the ceasefire on Saturday.

Various ethnic groups have been fighting for more autonomy since Myanmar gained independence about seven decades ago.

Fighting between the military and the Arakan Army had intensified in the last few years, causing more than 10,000 people to flee their homes.

Following last year's coup, the Arakan Army reportedly provided training and assistance to pro-democracy forces.

The latest ceasefire was mediated by Sasakawa Yohei, chairman of the non-profit Nippon Foundation, Japan's special envoy for peace in Myanmar for nearly a decade.

Sasakawa told NHK that the humanitarian ceasefire would lift blockades of roads and waterways, directly benefiting local residents.

The agreement has no set period, and it is uncertain how effective it will be.