Myanmar's Military Leader Takes on Acting President Role to Extend Emergency

Myanmar's military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, assumed the role of acting president on Monday. This change occurred due to the health issues of the previous acting president, Myint Swe, as reported by state media.

The announcement was made four days after Myint Swe's illness became public. It also came a week before the procedures to renew the state of emergency, initially declared after the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in February 2021.

State Media Announcement

State-run MRTV television broadcasted that Min Aung Hlaing received an official letter from the acting president's office on Monday. This letter authorised him to perform the duties of acting president, particularly concerning matters related to the National Defence and Security Council during Myint Swe's medical leave.

The council, formally led by the president, is controlled by the military in practice. It plays a crucial role in renewing the state of emergency every six months, granting the military extensive extra-constitutional powers. The president or acting president must endorse these renewals.

Health Issues and Medical Leave

Last Thursday, state media reported that Myint Swe was suffering from neurological disorders and peripheral neuropathy disease. He has been receiving medical treatment since early this year and is still unable to perform normal daily activities, including eating.

Myint Swe became acting president under controversial circumstances following the 2021 military takeover. President Win Myint was arrested along with Myanmar's top leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. As first vice president and a member of a pro-military party, Myint Swe assumed the presidency.

Legitimacy and Military Control

This move allowed the council to declare a state of emergency and transfer power to Min Aung Hlaing, who led the army's takeover. Legal experts questioned its legitimacy. Min Aung Hlaing currently chairs both the ruling military council and the military-installed government.

Six months after the takeover, Min Aung Hlaing declared himself prime minister. The military claims that a state of emergency is necessary to address instability caused by armed opponents of military rule fighting against the army across most parts of Myanmar.

The new appointment highlights ongoing political instability in Myanmar. The situation remains tense as various factions continue to vie for control amidst widespread conflict and unrest.