Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as president on Friday (Apr 10), marking a continuation of his rule from a civilian office five years after seizing power in a military coup, according to AFP journalists.
Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, detained the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and triggered an ongoing civil war, has now formally assumed the presidency following an election process completed in January.
The vote, which excluded Suu Kyi’s party and was widely criticised by observers, resulted in victory for military-aligned political figures who supported his elevation to the top post.
During a parliamentary ceremony in the capital Naypyidaw, the 69-year-old read the presidential oath, pledging to uphold “justice, liberty and equality” and to serve the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
“I will dedicate myself to the service of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,” he said as he began a five-year term.
Min Aung Hlaing reportedly stepped down as military commander-in-chief to take on the presidency ahead of Myanmar’s traditional Thingyan New Year celebrations, which begin on Monday.
However, critics and democracy watchdogs have dismissed the transition as a rebranding of continued military rule under a civilian guise.
Security was tight during the ceremony, with bomb disposal units deployed across Naypyidaw and checkpoints restricting access to government buildings.
The military-backed administration described the election as a step towards restoring democracy and national reconciliation amid the civil war.
Despite this, more than two-thirds of the newly appointed cabinet are current or former military officials, many of whom have also been sanctioned internationally.
Several foreign delegations from neighbouring countries, including China, India and Thailand, attended the ceremony.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reportedly sent a congratulatory message, praising Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership and expressing hopes for stronger bilateral ties.
China remains a key supporter of the military administration, with analysts noting renewed discussions on stalled infrastructure projects backed by Beijing.
Myanmar has been under military influence for most of its post-independence history, with a brief period of democratic opening beginning in 2011.
That transition ended in 2021 when the military overthrew the civilian government following elections that saw a landslide victory for Suu Kyi’s party.
Rights groups say the latest election excluded opposition parties that previously dominated parliament, while areas under rebel control were unable to vote, further undermining the legitimacy of the process.
