Min Aung Hlaing has long had his eyes on officially becoming president, even though the civil war has dented the military's prestige and hold over the country, Reuters has reported. Min Aung Hlaing’s Background and RiseBorn to a family from Myanmar's south, Min Aung Hlaing studied law before entering the military and rising steadily through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to military chief on this day 15 years ago. Considered a ruthless operator, Min Aung Hlaing has relied on a finely tuned ability to manage the country's elites, using tactics that include handing important positions to loyalists and punishing political rivals. Background and Promotions"The fact that he received two major promotions within two months clearly demonstrates that he is one of Min Aung Hlaing's most trusted loyalists," said Aung Kyaw Soe, an independent analyst. "Even so, General Ye Win Oo appears to lack the breadth of leadership experience that spans both battlefield command and institutional administration."

Source: The Guardian March 30, 2026 06:20 UTC