Myanmar’s acting president Myint Swe assumed office following the military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, has died at the age of 74, the military announced on Thursday.

According to a statement from the military’s information office, Myint Swe passed away on Thursday(August 7)  morning at a military hospital in the capital, Naypyitaw. He had been in critical condition and under intensive medical care since July 24, suffering from neurological disorders and peripheral neuropathy.

His funeral will be conducted with state-level honors, although the date has not yet been announced, military officials confirmed in a separate statement.

A former military general and close ally of the armed forces, Myint Swe was appointed acting president on February 1, 2021, after the military detained then-President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in a pre-dawn raid that marked the beginning of a new phase of military rule in Myanmar.

In July 2024, state media reported that Myint Swe had become seriously ill and was no longer able to perform routine functions, including eating. Shortly thereafter, he officially transferred his duties to military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who has since continued to serve as the de facto leader of the military government.

Myint Swe had not been seen in public for over a year and had largely withdrawn from political activity as his health deteriorated.

His death comes at a time of continued unrest in Myanmar, with widespread resistance against the military junta and ongoing armed conflict across various regions of the country.

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