Myanmar's figurehead president Myint Swe, who assumed office following the 2021 coup, has died at the age of 74, as confirmed by the military junta. Suffering from neurological disorders, he had been on medical leave since July 2024 after his health significantly declined over the past year.
Myint Swe's role as president was largely ceremonial, and junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had been fulfilling these duties since mid-2024. He died in a hospital in the capital Nay Pyi Taw at 08:28 local time on Thursday, due to neurodegenerative conditions, according to the junta's announcement.
A state funeral is set to take place for Myint Swe. During his presidency, he authorized several extensions to the state of emergency imposed since the coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Just days before his death, state-run media reported that his health had sharply declined, noting symptoms such as significant weight loss and cognitive decline.
Myint Swe began to show serious health issues in early 2023, ultimately receiving treatment in Singapore earlier this year. The junta claimed he went on medical leave due to continued deterioration in his condition.
The backdrop of his death is Myanmar's ongoing civil unrest, which has persisted since the military takeover, featuring conflict between armed ethnic groups and the junta. Despite promises of a national election by early 2026, critics argue that such a vote will merely serve to legitimize the junta's hold on power.
Last week, the junta transferred governance responsibilities to an interim government while maintaining that Min Aung Hlaing would retain his major leadership roles, including those of acting president and military chief, amidst concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of future elections.
