Myanmar's coup leader who set off a brutal civil war becomes president

General Min Aung Hlaing has been elected as the president of Myanmar by the newly-elected parliament. The 69-year-old general has effectively ruled Myanmar since a coup in 2021, which resulted in the ousting of the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. This coup triggered a brutal civil war, characterized by widespread protests that evolved into armed resistance against the military junta. Min Aung Hlaing's rise to the presidency comes after a parliamentary vote by a pro-military assembly. His leadership has been marked by significant political turmoil and violence, as the coup he orchestrated led to the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of her administration. The military's actions have faced international condemnation and have resulted in ongoing conflict within the country. Since the coup, Myanmar has experienced severe unrest, with many citizens opposing the military's rule. The situation has escalated into a civil war, with various groups forming to resist the junta's authority. The election of Min Aung Hlaing as president solidifies his control over the country, further entrenching the military's power in Myanmar's political landscape. The election of Min Aung Hlaing as president reflects the military's continued dominance in Myanmar's governance, despite widespread calls for a return to democracy and the restoration of civilian rule. The international community remains concerned about the implications of this leadership change for the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.