Myint Swe, Myanmar’s figurehead president appointed by the military following the 2021 coup, has died at the age of 74 after a prolonged illness. The junta announced that he passed away on Thursday morning at 08:28 local time (02:58 GMT) in Nay Pyi Taw, the nation’s capital, due to neurodegenerative and related neurological disorders.
Myint Swe, who had been on medical leave since July 2024, was receiving treatment in Singapore earlier that year and had reportedly shown signs of cognitive and physical decline since early 2023. A junta statement released a day before his death confirmed that he was in critical condition, citing fever, weight loss, and mental deterioration.
A Ceremonial Role During a Turbulent Time
Myint Swe was appointed acting president shortly after the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Though his role was largely ceremonial, he formally extended the country’s state of emergency multiple times, effectively supporting the military’s hold on power.
Since July 2024, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been carrying out presidential duties in his place. Following Myint Swe’s death, the junta stated that a state funeral will be held in his honor.
Myanmar’s Political Crisis Deepens
Myanmar has remained in political turmoil since the coup, with ongoing civil conflict between the military regime and ethnic armed groups, as well as pro-democracy resistance forces. The death of Myint Swe comes at a critical time, just weeks after the junta officially ended the state of emergency and transferred power to an interim government, ostensibly to prepare for national elections planned for December 2025 or January 2026.
However, critics have dismissed the upcoming elections as a sham, arguing that the junta seeks to maintain power through proxy political parties. Despite the transitional façade, Min Aung Hlaing continues to exercise de facto control over the country’s leadership as both military chief and acting president.
A Legacy of Loyalty to the Military
Before becoming president, Myint Swe served in the military and held key administrative roles, including Chief Minister of Yangon Region. Known as a loyalist to the army’s top brass, his presidency was marked by a lack of independence, as he provided constitutional cover for the junta’s authoritarian governance.
Though his impact on policy was limited, Myint Swe’s tenure symbolized the military’s effort to legitimize its control under a quasi-civilian structure. His death further consolidates the junta’s grip on power as Myanmar heads toward a contested election under international scrutiny.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7fD-q_0tHU
