Myanmar’s Acting President U Myint Swe Dies at 74
U Myint Swe, Myanmar’s military-backed acting president, has died at the age of 74 following an extended medical leave, according to a government announcement on Thursday.
“President U Myint Swe passed away at 8:28 a.m. this morning,” state media reported, adding that he will be honored with a state funeral.
A retired general, Myint Swe assumed the presidency in 2021 after Myanmar’s military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Prior to the coup, he had served in several senior government roles, including as first vice president during the country’s semi-civilian administration.
Following the coup, Min Aung Hlaing, the military’s commander-in-chief, became the de facto ruler, while Myint Swe held a largely symbolic role as head of state.
In 2024, Myint Swe went on medical leave due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, prompting Min Aung Hlaing to assume the role of acting president.
At the time of his passing, Myint Swe had reportedly been battling health issues including weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and cognitive decline. He was being treated at a military hospital in Naypyidaw.
His death comes just one week after Min Aung Hlaing lifted the nationwide state of emergency and announced plans to hold elections in December. While power was nominally transferred to a civilian-led interim government, analysts argue the move was superficial, with Min Aung Hlaing continuing to wield full authority as military chief.
Critics view the planned elections as an effort by the junta to legitimize its rule amid ongoing unrest. Opposition forces have vowed to boycott the vote.
Myanmar has been gripped by civil war since 2021, following a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests and the rise of armed resistance groups. The military-backed administration has since lost control of vast areas of the country. As of 2024, estimates indicated the junta maintained control over only about 20% of the territory, mainly in urban centers.
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