Myanmar Military Leader Assumes Interim Presidency Amidst Leader's Illness

General Min Aung Hlaing has assumed the role of interim president of Myanmar following the medical leave of figurehead leader Myint Swe, as reported by state media. The announcement was made by the Interim President’s Office, which communicated the delegation of responsibilities to the State Administration Council, the governing body chaired by Hlaing. Myint Swe, 73, has been suffering from severe health issues, including “psychomotor retardation” and “malnutrition,” which have hindered his ability to perform daily activities. Myint Swe was appointed as acting president after the military coup in February 2021, which ousted civilian leaders, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta had initially promised to hold elections within two years of seizing power, but this deadline has been extended multiple times. The current state of emergency is set to expire this month, although the Ministry of Information has not provided further comments on the situation. Since the coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war, with the military facing resistance from local militias and pro-democracy groups. The conflict has resulted in significant territorial losses for the junta and increased military aggression, including a reported fivefold rise in aerial attacks on civilian targets in recent months. This escalation has contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country. According to the United Nations, approximately 18.6 million people in Myanmar require urgent humanitarian assistance. The UN has warned that escalating conflict is leading to increased displacement, food insecurity, and human rights violations. Humanitarian efforts are critically underfunded, and without immediate financial support, aid agencies may have to make difficult decisions that could jeopardize the lives of millions in need.