Myanmar’s acting president, Myint Swe, who held the ceremonial post following the military’s 2021 ouster of the civilian government, has died at 74. The country’s military confirmed on Thursday that he passed away at 8:28 am local time at a military hospital in Naypyitaw after a prolonged illness involving neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
His funeral will be held with state honours, though the date has not been announced, according to statements reported by state media.
Myint Swe had been on medical leave for over a year, with the junta stating that Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing had been handling presidential duties since July 2024. He had been in critical condition since late July, experiencing symptoms such as fever, cognitive decline, and loss of appetite, according to a military statement published in Global New Light of Myanmar.
In April 2024, he received treatment in Singapore before being admitted to a military hospital. Last July, state media reported he suffered from peripheral neuropathy and other conditions impairing his daily functions.
Myint Swe became acting president on February 1, 2021, after the military seized power and detained President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi. As first vice president from the pro-military USDP, he was constitutionally next in line. However, legal experts questioned the legitimacy of his appointment, as Win Myint had neither resigned nor been declared incapacitated.
His role remained largely symbolic, limited to issuing emergency decrees. Real authority stayed with Min Aung Hlaing. Myint Swe had a long military career and was involved in political crackdowns, including the 2007 Saffron Revolution and arrests of Ne Win’s family and Khin Nyunt.
In the wake of the 2021 coup, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Myint Swe along with other senior military officials for undermining Myanmar’s democratic transition.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
(With inputs from agencies)
