Myint Swe, Myanmar's acting president under junta rule, has died at the age of 74 after suffering from neurological disorders. His demise raises questions about the future of leadership in a country facing ongoing civil conflict and a contentious electoral process.
Myanmar's Figurehead President Myint Swe Passes Away Amid Ongoing Turmoil
Myanmar's Figurehead President Myint Swe Passes Away Amid Ongoing Turmoil
The military junta of Myanmar announces the death of Myint Swe, who had been serving as the figurehead president since the 2021 coup, following a prolonged illness that complicated the country's political landscape.
Myanmar's military leaders confirmed the death of Myint Swe, the country's figurehead president, who held office following the 2021 coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Myint Swe passed away at the age of 74 after undergoing a long struggle with neurological disorders, as reported by the junta.
Suffering from declining health for more than a year, Myint Swe had been on medical leave since July 2024. The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has assumed duties on behalf of the ailing president, conducting the largely ceremonial responsibilities of the office.
According to the junta's statement, Myint Swe died in a hospital in Nay Pyi Taw at 08:28 local time (02:58 GMT) due to debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. A state funeral has been planned, reflecting the formalities of a military regime.
Prior to his death, the junta’s media outlet, Global New Light of Myanmar, announced on Wednesday that Myint Swe's condition was critical, detailing symptoms such as significant weight loss, fever, and cognitive decline. This followed earlier reports from 2023 regarding his sluggishness and difficulty with nourishment. Myint Swe received medical treatment in Singapore in April 2024 before his medical leave began.
The political climate in Myanmar remains fraught with tension due to ongoing civil unrest since the coup. Fighting continues between military forces and various ethnic armed groups. In an attempt to stabilize the contentious situation, Min Aung Hlaing declared plans for a national election to be held in late 2025 or early 2026, marking the first such event since the junta took control. However, critics have expressed skepticism, labeling the election as a façade intended to legitimize the military’s governance through affiliated political parties.
Though Myanmar's junta recently concluded its state of emergency and announced an interim government to facilitate the electoral process, Min Aung Hlaing continues to hold effective power as both the acting president and military chief, leaving the country’s future uncertain amidst its fraught political landscape.
