Min Aung Hlaing sworn in as Myanmars new president

Myanmar’s New President Takes Office Amid Ongoing Crisis

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been sworn in as Myanmar’s new president, five years after he ousted an elected government and triggered a civil war. In his inauguration address on Friday, Min Aung Hlaing stated that the country had returned to its democratic path and is heading towards a better future. He acknowledged that there are still many challenges to be overcome.

Min Aung Hlaing was voted to the top office last week in a landslide victory by the pro-military parliament, formalizing his grip on power. The 69-year-old general was among three candidates nominated for the post; the two runners-up became vice presidents. Min Aung Hlaing seized power in 2021 from Aung San Suu Kyi, placing her under arrest and causing widespread protests and demonstrations.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives from neighboring countries China, India, Thailand, and 20 other nations. Min Aung Hlaing has pledged to enhance international relations and restore normal relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, his election has been criticized as a farce by democracy watchdogs.

Min Aung Hlaing’s transition from top general to civilian president followed a parliamentary election in December and January, won by an army-backed party. The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party won over 80 percent of the contested seats, while serving members of the armed forces occupy unelected seats. Voting did not take place in areas seized by rebels battling the military.

The civil war that has plagued Myanmar for five years continues to rage on. Anti-military groups, including remnants of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party and ethnic minority armies, have formed a new combined front against the military. The human cost is significant, with over 96,000 people killed and at least 3.6 million displaced since the coup in 2021.

Min Aung Hlaing has promised to grant amnesties to support social reconciliation, justice, and peace, including pardoning political prisoners and inviting civil servants who quit in protest back to their posts. However, details of these plans remain unclear.

Source: Al Jazeera