Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as president on Friday, formalizing his hold on power five years after a coup that plunged the country into civil war, political upheaval, and international isolation.
His inauguration in Naypyidaw marked the culmination of a tightly controlled political transition following a landslide parliamentary victory by a military-backed party in elections widely dismissed by critics as lacking credibility.
In his address, he acknowledged ongoing difficulties, stating that Myanmar faces significant challenges while asserting that the country is progressing toward democracy and stability.
Min Aung Hlaing, 69, rose from army chief to head of state after orchestrating the 2021 coup that removed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains detained alongside thousands of political opponents.
The election that elevated him was conducted without viable opposition, with large parts of the country excluded from voting due to conflict, further raising questions about the legitimacy of the outcome.
The military continues to dominate governance, with its allies holding the majority of parliamentary seats and unelected military representatives retaining a constitutional role.
Despite claims of a democratic roadmap, the civil war persists, with armed resistance groups and ethnic militias continuing to challenge military control across multiple regions.
In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing emphasized efforts to improve Myanmar’s global standing and restore ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, from which the country has been largely sidelined since the coup.
He said the government would “enhance international relations and strive to restore normal relations with ASEAN,” while also seeking to attract foreign investment and boost domestic economic growth.
The inauguration drew attendance from representatives of several countries, including China, Russia, India, and Thailand, reflecting continued engagement from select regional and global partners.
He also indicated that “appropriate amnesties” could be considered as part of reconciliation efforts, though details were not provided and skepticism remains among observers.
Myanmar’s conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with tens of thousands reported killed and millions displaced since 2021, underscoring the scale of challenges facing the new administration.