Myanmar, Aug 7 (V7N) – Myanmar’s acting president, Myint Swe, passed away on Thursday (August 7) at a hospital after a prolonged illness related to old age. He was 74 years old.

The country’s state broadcaster, MR TV, confirmed his death. Myint Swe had become acting president following the military coup in 2021. Before that, he served as vice president.

Due to health issues, he had been on medical leave for the past year and officially handed over power to the current junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, in July 2024. Since then, Myint Swe had largely been a ceremonial figure within the junta leadership.

The United States had previously imposed sanctions on Myint Swe, alongside Min Aung Hlaing, citing his direct involvement in the military coup and identifying him as a key player in the overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected government.

END/RH/AJ