The death of Myint Swe, the figurehead president of Myanmar who ascended to power following the 2021 coup, has been reported by the nation’s military leadership. He was 74 and had been grappling with severe health issues linked to neurological disorders. Before his death, he had been on medical leave for over a year, with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing taking over his ceremonial responsibilities since July 2024.
Myanmar's President Myint Swe Passes Away After Prolonged Illness
Myanmar's President Myint Swe Passes Away After Prolonged Illness
Myint Swe, a former figurehead President of Myanmar, has passed away after suffering from various health complications, as confirmed by military authorities.
The junta announced that Myint Swe died at 08:28 local time on Thursday in a Nay Pyi Taw hospital after suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, including neurological complications. A state funeral is set to take place in his honor.
Serving in a largely ceremonial role after the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Myint Swe supported numerous extensions to the state of emergency. Just a day before his death, a junta statement warned of his critical condition, detailing symptoms like extreme weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and cognitive decline. He had started showing difficulties in movement and consuming food in early 2023, subsequently receiving treatment in Singapore earlier this year.
Myanmar continues to face unrest and civil conflict since the military takeover. The junta announced it would hold a national election in late 2025 or early 2026, the first since the coup; however, critics argue that the event is a mere facade intended to solidify the junta's grip on power through affiliated political entities. Recently, the junta lifted the state of emergency and established an interim government to facilitate the election, though Min Aung Hlaing remains the de facto leader, controlling the nation's direction.
Serving in a largely ceremonial role after the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Myint Swe supported numerous extensions to the state of emergency. Just a day before his death, a junta statement warned of his critical condition, detailing symptoms like extreme weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and cognitive decline. He had started showing difficulties in movement and consuming food in early 2023, subsequently receiving treatment in Singapore earlier this year.
Myanmar continues to face unrest and civil conflict since the military takeover. The junta announced it would hold a national election in late 2025 or early 2026, the first since the coup; however, critics argue that the event is a mere facade intended to solidify the junta's grip on power through affiliated political entities. Recently, the junta lifted the state of emergency and established an interim government to facilitate the election, though Min Aung Hlaing remains the de facto leader, controlling the nation's direction.
