Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing sworn in as president amid ongoing civil war

Myanmar’s coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been sworn in as the country’s new president, formalizing his grip on power after a landslide victory by the pro-military parliament. In his inauguration address in Naypyidaw, he stated, “Myanmar has returned to the path of democracy and is heading towards a better future,” while acknowledging the many “challenges to overcome.”

Min Aung Hlaing was elected last week by the pro-military parliament, which has dominated the political landscape since he ousted the elected government in 2021, triggering a civil war. His election has been criticized as a farce by democracy watchdogs, with the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party winning over 80 percent of parliamentary seats contested. Voting did not occur in many areas controlled by rebels, further undermining his mandate.

The inauguration was attended by representatives from neighboring countries, including China, India, and Thailand, signaling potential regional support. Min Aung Hlaing expressed intentions to “enhance international relations and strive to restore normal relations” with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, his promises of amnesty and reconciliation have been dismissed as cosmetic by critics.

As the civil war continues, anti-military groups, including remnants of Aung San Suu Kyi’s party and ethnic minority armies, are forming a united front against the military. The human cost of the conflict is staggering, with estimates of over 96,000 killed and 3.6 million displaced since the coup.

Power Read: Min Aung Hlaing's consolidation of power through a controlled election and international engagement may strengthen his regime's legitimacy, despite ongoing civil unrest. The military's dominance in parliament and the absence of a significant opposition challenge expose the fragility of his rule, as anti-coup forces continue to gain ground. The support from neighboring nations could provide a buffer against international isolation, but the internal conflict remains a significant threat to stability.

What to watch: The response of ASEAN to Min Aung Hlaing's presidency and any potential diplomatic engagements in the coming weeks.