Myanmar cabinet includes many officials under Western sanctions, promp

More than a third of the newly appointed cabinet under Myanmar’s military leadership is subject to international sanctions, according to a review of official appointments, drawing renewed calls from activists for increased global pressure.

The administration was formed by Min Aung Hlaing following his swearing-in as president earlier this month, after a parliamentary process organised by the military.

Sanctioned officials in key roles

At least 15 members of the cabinet, including both Union ministers and regional leaders, are currently under sanctions imposed by Western governments.

Among the 30 Union ministers appointed, at least 12 are listed under sanctions regimes maintained by the United States, European Union and United Kingdom. These include officials responsible for defence, internal security, finance, foreign investment and health.

At the regional level, several chief ministers are also subject to sanctions, bringing the overall proportion of sanctioned figures in the governing body to more than one-third.

Min Aung Hlaing himself remains under sanctions from multiple countries, as does one of his vice presidents, former general Nyo Saw.

Appointments reflect loyalty, observers say

Political observers say the composition of the cabinet reflects a strategy of appointing trusted allies and senior military figures.

Some of those selected have been linked to the military’s response to opposition following the 2021 coup.

For example, the newly appointed defence minister, General Tun Aung, previously led the air force and has been accused of overseeing air strikes during the conflict. He is currently under sanctions from the United States and European Union.

Similarly, Home Affairs Minister Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe has been sanctioned by several countries for his role in the crackdown on protests in 2021.

Calls for stronger international response

Activists say the appointments highlight the military leadership’s continued reliance on force rather than political compromise.

Khin Ohmar, founder of advocacy group Progressive Voice, said the inclusion of sanctioned individuals at senior levels sends a clear signal about the direction of the administration.

She called on the international community to expand measures targeting military-linked businesses, financial networks and supply chains, including arms and aviation fuel.

Limited international support

Despite widespread sanctions, Myanmar’s military government continues to receive backing from some countries, including China, Russia, India, Thailand and Cambodia.

Analysts say the leadership may seek to ease restrictions through increased diplomatic engagement or external lobbying.

However, experts note that sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States, are closely tied to political developments and are unlikely to be lifted without significant changes.

Economic pressure and outlook

Min Aung Hlaing has previously downplayed the impact of sanctions, stating that Myanmar can withstand external pressure.

However, analysts say the current sanctions regime is broader than in previous periods, particularly following years of economic integration, which may increase the country’s vulnerability to financial isolation.

They add that without political reform, the likelihood of sanctions being eased remains low.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now.Source14 April 2026