Myanmar junta chief sworn in as president

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In a significant political transition, Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, was sworn in as President on Friday. This move officially shifts his rule to a civilian post five years after he seized power in a military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Following a junta-organized election in January that excluded the opposition, Min Aung Hlaing secured a walkover victory. After taking the presidential oath in Naypyidaw, the 69-year-old resigned as top general, claiming the nation has ‘returned to the path of democracy.’

However, democracy watchdogs have dismissed the change as a mere ‘rebranding of military rule,’ noting that over two-thirds of the new cabinet consists of retired or active military members. 

While Min Aung Hlaing promised amnesties to support social reconciliation, he made no mention of Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains imprisoned. The ceremony was attended by representatives from several nations, including China, India, and Thailand, as the new administration seeks to normalize relations and unfreeze foreign investment.

Photo Credits: AFP - Former Myanmar military chief and Myanmar president Min Aung Hlaing waves to his supporters after he was sworn-in as president during a session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament) in Naypyidaw on April 10, 2026.