Myanmar's Myint Swe: From Figurehead President to Final Farewell

Myint Swe, Myanmar's president installed during a 2021 coup, has died at 74 after a medical leave. Initially serving as vice president, he became a symbolic leader under military rule. His passing marks a transition amidst Myanmar's ongoing turmoil and plans for a civilian-led interim government.

Myanmar's state broadcaster announced the death of Myint Swe, a former general who assumed the presidency during the military coup in 2021 and subsequently ceded power to the military. He died in a hospital at the age of 74 after being on medical leave for a year.

Swe's political journey saw him become the nominal head of state after the ousting of Win Myint and the arrest of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Since the coup, Myanmar has been mired in chaos and civil conflict, with allegations of military atrocities mounting.

Previously serving as vice president, Myint Swe's presidency was largely symbolic, providing legitimacy to the junta's decrees. His medical leave last year resulted in the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing taking over presidential duties. Recently, the military announced a power transfer to a civilian-led interim administration ahead of elections, leaving the military chief in control of the war-torn nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)