Myanmar Vice president Myint Swe speaks during a ceremony to mark Myanmar’s 73rd Anniversary of Union day in Nypitaw, Myanmar, Feb, 12, 2020.
Myanmar’s acting president, Myint Swe, has passed away at the age of 74 after battling a long-term illness. His death, confirmed by the country’s military on Thursday morning, occurred at a military hospital in Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital.
Struggles with Illness Before Death
Myint Swe had been absent from active presidential duties for over a year due to poor health. In July 2023, state media disclosed that he was suffering from neurological issues and peripheral neuropathy. The illness had severely affected his ability to carry out basic activities, including eating.
By late July 2024, he was reported to be in critical condition and placed under intensive care. Following these developments, he officially handed over presidential responsibilities to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
From General to Acting President
Myint Swe assumed the role of acting president on February 1, 2021. This came shortly after Myanmar's military detained then-President Win Myint and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a coup. Myint Swe, who held the position of first vice president at the time, was elevated to acting president under the military-drafted constitution.
However, legal experts questioned the legitimacy of his appointment. Win Myint had neither resigned nor been declared medically unfit when the military seized power.
A Presidency in Name Only
Though he held the presidential title, real power resided with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. Myint Swe's role was largely ceremonial. He issued decrees to extend the state of emergency but did not exercise independent decision-making.
As acting president, he chaired the National Defense and Security Council, the body used by the military to legitimize its authority. It declared the state of emergency that cemented military rule in the country.
Long Ties with Myanmar’s Military Regime
Myint Swe had a decades-long military background. A former general, he was closely aligned with Than Shwe, the leader of the previous military regime. He also served as the chief minister of Yangon from 2011 to 2016 under Myanmar's quasi-civilian government.
In earlier years, Myint Swe played key roles during pivotal political moments. He oversaw a deadly military crackdown on the 2007 Saffron Revolution protests, in which dozens were killed and hundreds detained.
He also led high-profile arrests, including the 2002 detention of ex-dictator Ne Win’s relatives. In 2004, he arrested former Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt during a significant power purge inside the military. After that, he took control of Myanmar’s military intelligence unit.
Sanctioned and Controversial Legacy
Following the 2021 coup, Myint Swe was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. He was listed among military officials responsible for undermining democracy and detaining elected leaders.
Despite his lower public profile internationally, he was deeply entrenched in the country’s military and political structure for decades. His decisions and actions had long-lasting impacts on Myanmar’s political landscape.
State Funeral Pending
The military has announced that a state-level funeral will be held for Myint Swe. However, the date of the ceremony has not yet been disclosed.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
