General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military junta, has assumed the role of interim president after the figurehead leader, Myint Swe, was placed on medical leave, as reported by state media. The government broadcaster MRTV stated that the responsibilities have been delegated to Hlaing by the State Administration Council, which governs Myanmar.
Myint Swe, 73, has been suffering from “psychomotor retardation” and “malnutrition” since early 2023. Due to his inability to perform daily activities, including eating, he is receiving close medical treatment under the arrangement of the State Administration Council.
Following the February 2021 military coup, which resulted in the detention of civilian leaders, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the junta installed military loyalists and promised elections within two years. However, this deadline has been extended multiple times, with the current state of emergency and military rule set to expire this month.
The Ministry of Information in Myanmar did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. The military continues to face resistance from local militias and pro-democracy groups, leading to a devastating civil war and significant losses in junta-controlled territory and troops.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that 18.6 million people in Myanmar require urgent humanitarian assistance. The UN has warned of escalating conflicts, worsening food insecurity, and severe underfunding of humanitarian efforts, risking millions of lives.
