The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s coup leader turned president, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has unveiled a new cabinet dominated by military figures, cementing the armed forces’ grip on power five years after seizing control.

On Tuesday, the regime-installed Union Parliament approved his nominations for 31 ministries, with 30 cabinet members named — around 20 of them serving or former military officers. Sixteen are already ministers under the junta, underscoring continuity rather than change.

Among the most prominent appointments are General Htun Aung, the current air force chief, as defence minister; Lieutenant General Nyunt Win Swe as home affairs minister; and Lieutenant General Hpone Myat as border affairs minister. All three have been sanctioned by Western governments for their roles in violent crackdowns and military operations against civilians.

Other key posts also went to ex-generals, including ministries overseeing transport, labour, planning and investment. Several nominees, such as Dr Kan Zaw, the current finance minister, have been accused of helping secure funds for the regime despite international sanctions.

The reshuffle extends beyond central government. Former military and police officers have been appointed as chiefs of states and regions, further embedding the armed forces across the country’s political structure.

Rights groups say the appointments confirm fears that Min Aung Hlaing’s election as president — carried out by a parliament dominated by military allies and the Union Solidarity and Development Party — is little more than a rebranding exercise. Amnesty International warned last week that “changing from military to civilian attire does nothing to alter his suspected responsibility for serious international crimes.”

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Parliamentarians for Human Rights has urged the international community not to recognise the presidency, arguing that doing so would legitimise violent military rule. Since the coup in 2021, Myanmar has endured relentless airstrikes, raids and arson attacks on civilian areas, leaving thousands dead and many more displaced.

As Min Aung Hlaing consolidates power under the guise of a civilian government, the question now is whether regional neighbours and global powers will treat his presidency as legitimate — or continue to isolate a regime accused of deepening repression and undermining democracy.

-2026-04-08

No surprise there.