Myanmar’s Military Dictator Now Makes It Official — Coup Leader Becomes President

Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing has been nominated for the presidency as parliament convened Monday — the final step in consolidating power after leading a military coup five years ago that plunged the country into civil war.

From Coup Leader to President

Min Aung Hlaing is certain to be chosen, as he was nominated alongside two loyalist candidates who pose no real competition. Around 90% of Myanmar’s new parliament members owe their loyalty to him, either as serving military officers or as elected candidates for the military’s own party.

The general elections, held between December and January, were touted by the junta as a pathway to peace. But international observers widely viewed the vote as a sham — many popular opposition parties were banned, and large areas of the country couldn’t participate due to the ongoing civil war.

Sanctions and Consequences

Min Aung Hlaing has been sanctioned by many Western countries for the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In the years since, thousands have been killed and millions displaced in a brutal civil war. Large swaths of the country remain under armed opposition control.

The Risk He Faces

There’s a catch: Myanmar’s constitution requires Min Aung Hlaing to give up command of the armed forces if he becomes president. Known senior commanders are reportedly unhappy with his leadership. He’s already chosen a staunch loyalist to take over the military, but the move carries real risk — stripping the man who seized power of his military authority could create exactly the kind of power vacuum that coups are made of.

Source: BBC News