Anna Hartz
The Death of Acting President Myint Swe Marks Another Shift in Myanmar’s Leadership
In many nations, a leader’s health—or absence—can unsettle the political order.
That’s exactly what happened in Myanmar. Now, after years at the center of a military-dominated regime, the country faces another turn.
Myint Swe, the man who became Myanmar’s acting president after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government more than four years ago, has died, reports AP. He was 74 years old.
A Worsening Health
The military announced his death on Thursday. He passed away at a military hospital in the capital city, Naypyitaw.
He had stopped performing his presidential duties over a year ago after his health deteriorated.
State media reported that he had a serious neurological condition. He was unable to eat or carry out basic daily tasks.
In July 2024, Myint Swe officially handed his duties to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military administration.
Myint Swe took over as acting president on February 1, 2021. That was the day the military detained President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi.
As first vice president, Myint Swe assumed the presidency under the constitution. Legal experts criticized the move because Win Myint was never declared incapacitated or removed.
In theory, Myint Swe chaired Myanmar’s National Defense and Security Council. In practice, that body was under full military control.
It became the decision-making center for security and emergency governance. Through it, Min Aung Hlaing formally seized power and ruled with sweeping authority.
A Ceremonial Role
Myint Swe’s role was largely ceremonial. He renewed the state of emergency through official decrees, but real power rested with Min Aung Hlaing.
Myint Swe was a former general and longtime ally of Than Shwe, who ruled Myanmar from 1992 until 2011.
He served as chief minister of Yangon from 2011 to 2016. He also led Yangon’s military command and oversaw a brutal crackdown during the 2007 Saffron Revolution, when protests by Buddhist monks rocked the city. Dozens died. Hundreds were detained.
He played a part in key moments of Myanmar’s military history. In 2002, he helped arrest relatives of former dictator Ne Win.
In 2004, he arrested former prime minister Khin Nyunt during an internal military purge. Following that, he led the military intelligence sector.
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Myint Swe after the military takeover of February 2021. He is survived by his wife and two children. A date for his state funeral has not been announced.
