Myanmar's President Myint Swe Passes Away Amid Ongoing Turmoil

Tue Oct 21 2025 07:00:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The figurehead leader of Myanmar's junta has died after a long battle with health issues, raising questions about the country's political future.

Myint Swe, Myanmar's figurehead president installed after the 2021 coup, has died at the age of 74 following an extended illness. His passing raises concerns about the nation's contentious political landscape, especially with a national election on the horizon.

Myanmar's figurehead president, Myint Swe, has passed away due to neurological disorders at the age of 74, as confirmed by the country's military leaders. He had been on medical leave for over a year before his death in a hospital in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Myint Swe rose to power after the 2021 coup that deposed the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Since July 2024, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had been fulfilling his largely ceremonial duties.

The junta announced a state funeral for Myint Swe following his death at 08:28 local time (02:58 GMT) on Thursday. Health complications had plagued him for some time, including significant weight loss and cognitive decline, prompting treatments in both Myanmar and Singapore. His passing occurs amid ongoing unrest in Myanmar, where a civil war continues between junta forces and ethnic groups.

Just last week, the military junta ended its state of emergency and announced an interim government aimed at preparing for a national election expected in late 2025 or early 2026. Critics, however, argue that such elections may simply serve to legitimize the junta's grip on power through puppet parties. Despite plans for a vote, Min Aung Hlaing remains firmly in control of the country’s leadership.