Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing sworn in as president after controversial transition
Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as president on Friday, formally transitioning from direct military rule to a civilian leadership role—five years after seizing power in a coup.
The general, who previously headed the armed forces, ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. The takeover led to her detention and sparked a prolonged civil conflict across the country.
After years of ruling under military authority, Min Aung Hlaing oversaw an election process that concluded in January. The vote excluded Suu Kyi’s party and resulted in an easy victory for military-aligned political groups, ultimately paving the way for his presidency.
In his inaugural speech in the capital, Naypyidaw, the 69-year-old leader declared that Myanmar was “returning to the path of democracy” and moving toward a more promising future. He took the presidential oath at a formal parliamentary ceremony marking the beginning of his five-year term.
Min Aung Hlaing stepped down from his role as commander-in-chief ahead of assuming office, timing the transition just before the country’s traditional New Year celebration, Thingyan, which begins Monday.
However, critics and international observers have dismissed the move as largely symbolic. Democracy advocates argue that the shift represents little more than a rebranding of military rule under a civilian façade.
The newly formed government reflects strong military continuity. More than two-thirds of the 30 cabinet ministers are either current or former members of the armed forces, many of whom also held positions in the junta established after the coup. Over ten members of the administration are under international sanctions.
Security in Naypyidaw was visibly heightened ahead of the ceremony, with checkpoints surrounding parliament and bomb squads deployed at major hotels.
In the lead-up to the inauguration, authorities released a number of political detainees linked to Suu Kyi’s former administration. At the same time, civil servants who had resigned in protest against military rule were invited to return to their posts, signaling an effort by the government to stabilize its administration.
