Myanmar: General Min Aung Hlaing sworn in as President amid cries from the front line

The chamber of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in Naypyidaw became the stage for a new chapter in Myanmar’s volatile political history on Friday, 10 April 2026. Before an assembly dominated by military allies, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing took the oath of office as President.

Dressed in traditional civilian longyi, the 69-year-old promised to uphold the “eternal principles of justice, liberty, and equality.” Yet, beyond the fortified walls of the capital, guarded by heavy security and bomb disposal units, those words rang with a bitter irony for those caught in the crossfire of the country's internal conflict.

Eh Pho, a Christian activist raised in the volatile Myanmar-Thailand border region, issued a stark warning following the ceremony. Speaking to Premier Christian News, he described a society shattered by the civil war ignited by the 2021 coup.

“They burn everything, they destroy everything—but they cannot destroy our soul,” Eh Pho said. He detailed how faith communities, particularly Christians, continue to be targeted in attacks on civilian infrastructure. Churches, once sanctuaries for prayer, have been reduced to ash by air strikes and arson.

A state in the shadows

The transition of Min Aung Hlaing from active general to civilian president has been dismissed by analysts as “political theatre.” Although he resigned from his supreme military post prior to the inauguration, his new cabinet reinforces a “green-clad” dominance; more than two-thirds of the 30 ministers appointed are either retired or active military personnel.

The inauguration follows a general election in January that was condemned by the international community. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by the ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, was barred from participating, clearing the path for a military-backed landslide.

Amidst this quest for legitimacy, the humanitarian situation continues to spiral. Advocacy groups report that civilians are being forced to give birth in jungles without medical aid, while children attend classes in caves to evade frequent air strikes.

Amnesty amid isolation

In an apparent bid to deflect international criticism and mark the Thingyan New Year, President Min Aung Hlaing announced an amnesty for more than 4,500 prisoners on 17 April. Among those released was former President Win Myint, a staunch ally of Aung San Suu Kyi who had been detained since the coup five years ago.

However, the fate of Ms Suu Kyi remains shrouded in uncertainty. While her sentence was reportedly reduced by 4.5 years to 22.5 years—with rumors of a move to house arrest—the gesture has been dismissed by groups such as Burma Campaign UK as a mere publicity stunt.

“If the regime were serious about reform, they would release all 14,000 political prisoners without condition,” the organisation stated.

Regional support and global scorn

While Western nations maintain sanctions and treat the new administration as a pariah, Min Aung Hlaing is not entirely isolated. Representatives from China, India, and Thailand reportedly attended the inauguration. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sent his congratulations, expressing hope for “strengthened ties” under the General’s leadership.

For Eh Pho and millions of others, regional recognition does not change the reality on the ground. He has urged the global Christian community and the international public not to look away from Myanmar’s suffering.

“Many in this country do not recognise him as a leader. Families remain torn apart, and communities continue to be driven from their land,” Eh Pho said.

In Naypyidaw, fireworks may have marked the General's new title. But in the border forests, silent prayers are still being offered among the ruins of churches and schools, waiting for the day the “principles of justice” promised in the capital finally reach the front line. []