Myint Swe, Myanmar's figurehead president and a central figure in the military junta, has died at age 74 after battling neurological disorders. He was largely absent from duties due to health issues, with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing stepping in since mid-2024. Myint Swe’s death underscores the ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar following the 2021 coup and raises questions about the future of the country's governance.
Myanmar's President Myint Swe Passes Away After Prolonged Illness
Myanmar's President Myint Swe Passes Away After Prolonged Illness
The military junta announces the death of Myint Swe, who served as the nation's figurehead president following the 2021 coup.
Myanmar's military junta has confirmed the death of Myint Swe, the 74-year-old figurehead president who assumed office after the 2021 coup. His passing was announced following a lengthy illness characterized by neurological complications. Prior to his death, Myint Swe had been on medical leave for over a year, with junta leaders revealing that he was suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
Myint Swe died in a hospital located in Nay Pyi Taw at 08:28 local time (02:58 GMT) due to ailments linked to his neurological health. His duties have been primarily managed by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing since July 2024, amid ongoing unrest in the country.
During his presidency, Myint Swe endorsed numerous extensions to the state of emergency, which has been a focal point of the military's rule since the ousting of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Reports leading up to his death indicated a significant decline in his health, which included substantial weight loss, a diminished appetite, and cognitive challenges.
While Myint Swe had sought treatment in Singapore earlier this year, his health did not improve, leading to his eventual hospitalization. The junta has since organized a state funeral in his honor.
In the backdrop of Myint Swe's death, Myanmar continues to grapple with civil unrest as a protracted conflict unfolds between military forces and various ethnic armed groups. In March, Aung Hlaing announced plans for a national election to be held in late 2025 or early 2026; however, critics view this as a façade to legitimize military control through proxy political entities.
In a recent move, the junta lifted the state of emergency and placed power in the hands of an interim government to facilitate the upcoming elections. Nonetheless, Aung Hlaing still retains significant influence, as he remains both the acting president and military chief of the nation, signaling the ongoing challenges in Myanmar's path toward democracy and stability.
