Myanmar’s Junta-Appointed Figurehead President Dies

Myanmar’s military-appointed figurehead president, U Myint Swe, who had been suspended from office since last year due to deteriorating health, passed away on Thursday, according to an official statement released by the country’s ruling junta.

The former general, aged 74, died at 8:28 a.m. in a hospital in Naypyidaw, the nation’s capital. The military government confirmed that a state funeral will be held in his honour.

Role During and After the 2021 Coup

Myint Swe was appointed acting president in 2021, following a military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup transferred ultimate authority to armed forces chief Min Aung Hlaing, who later assumed Myint Swe’s ceremonial responsibilities as acting president in July 2024, as the ailing president battled Parkinson’s disease.

“President U Myint Swe passed away at 8:28 this morning,” the junta’s statement declared.
“It is hereby announced that the funeral of Pro Tem President U Myint Swe will be held as a state funeral.

Health Decline and Final Days

According to state media, Myint Swe had been suffering from severe health complications in recent weeks. On Wednesday, reports indicated that he was experiencing:

He was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit shortly before his death.

Political Background and Legacy

Myint Swe previously served as Vice-President under Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) administration, which came to power through democratic elections. However, he maintained close ties with the military throughout his career and became instrumental in facilitating the 2021 military takeover.

Following the coup, massive pro-democracy protests erupted across Myanmar. These were violently suppressed by the military, leading many activists to flee urban centres and join ethnic armed groups, resulting in a many-sided civil conflict that still engulfs the country.

Junta’s Political Maneuvres and Controversy

Last week, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing formally ended the state of emergency that had been in place since the 2021 coup. He simultaneously announced plans for an election in December 2025, presenting it as a path toward political normalcy.

However, the move effectively saw power shift from the Commander-in-Chief’s office (Min Aung Hlaing) to the presidency (also held by Min Aung Hlaing), making the action largely symbolic.

The proposed election has been widely rejected by opposition groups, who have vowed to boycott the poll. In June, a UN special rapporteur denounced the planned vote as a “fraud” intended to legitimise the junta’s continued grip on power.

U Myint Swe’s death comes at a pivotal moment in Myanmar’s political crisis, as both internal and international pressures mount against a regime seeking to present an image of legitimacy while continuing to rule through military might