Myanmar junta leader assumes presidential powers as president takes sick leave, state media reports

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing speaks during meeting with members the National Defense and Security Council in Naypyitaw, Myanmar in January.

General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military junta, became the country’s interim president on Monday after figurehead leader Myint Swe was placed on medical leave, state media reported.

“The Interim President’s Office has sent a letter to the State Administration Council Office notifying it to delegate the responsibilities,” government broadcaster MRTV said Monday, referring to the junta council that governs Myanmar, which is chaired by Hlaing.

On Friday, the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmarthat 73-year-old Swe has been suffering

...said in its 2024 , warning that humanitarian efforts in the country are severely underfunded.“Without an urgent injection of funds aid agencies will soon be forced to make impossible choices about cuts to planned assistance that will risk the lives of millions of people in severe need,” the agency said.