In a significant political development, Myint Swe, Myanmar's acting president and a general intimately tied to the country's controversial military coup, has died at the age of 74. His passing, attributed to Parkinson’s disease and related neurological ailments, was officially announced on August 7 by the National Defence and Security Council.

The press release stated that Myint Swe passed away at 8:28 AM local time and revealed plans for a state funeral, although the date was not specified. It’s anticipated that junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will officially take over Myint Swe’s responsibilities, having already acted as president during council meetings in Naypyidaw.

Myint Swe’s rise to power came after the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Initially serving as army-appointed first vice-president, he was seen as a loyal supporter of the junta and largely held a ceremonial role under Min Aung Hlaing.

His actions during the coup drew international scrutiny, leading to sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury. It labeled him one of the key players in the coup that dismantled Myanmar's burgeoning democracy.

In recent years, Myint Swe largely disappeared from public view, taking medical leave after extensive treatment for his health issues. His role included chairing the National Defence and Security Council, where he was crucial in extending the military's authority during the ongoing state of emergency.

Myint Swe's military career spanned four decades, including a notorious past linked to the crackdown on the 2007 Saffron Revolution. His subsequent inquiry into the military's operations in Rakhine state in 2017, which resulted in widespread Rohingya displacement, has been met with global condemnation and claims of genocide, all of which he dismissed.

With Myint Swe's death, the political landscape of Myanmar remains uncertain as the military junta continues its grip on power amidst ongoing unrest and international censure.