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Min Aung Hlaing12th Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar since 1 August 2021
Date of Birth: 03.07.1956
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Content:
- Min Aung Hlaing: The Rise of Myanmar's Military Leader
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Ascension to Power
- International Sanctions
- Personal Life and Allegations of Business Interests
Min Aung Hlaing: The Rise of Myanmar's Military Leader
Min Aung Hlaing has played a pivotal role in Myanmar's political landscape since his appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of the country's military in 2011. In February 2021, he led a military coup that overthrew the elected government, establishing himself as the country's de facto leader.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 3, 1956, in the town of Tavoy, Min Aung Hlaing grew up in a family with a background in civil engineering. After graduating from high school, he studied law at the University of Arts and Science in Yangon. However, he left university to join the Defense Services Academy in 1974 and earned the rank of second lieutenant upon graduating in 1977.
Military Career
Min Aung Hlaing began his military service in the rebel-infested Mon and Shan states of Myanmar, using a combination of military force and negotiations to counter the resistance of local separatist groups. In 2009, he successfully directed a government offensive against the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in the Kokang region.
In 2010, he became the Chief of General Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and in 2011, he was appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Myanmar. He continued to suppress separatist movements and oversaw the military's response to the influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh into the Rakhine region, an operation that was later classified by some Western media and organizations as ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya Muslims.
Min Aung Hlaing is a known advocate of Myanmar's cooperation with Russia, having visited the country multiple times. Myanmar procures Russian weapons and the two countries' militaries regularly engage in joint exercises.
Ascension to Power
On February 1, 2021, Min Aung Hlaing led a military coup that overthrew the elected government. He declared a one-year state of emergency and established the State Administration Council (SAC) as the country's governing body, with himself as its Chairman. The SAC has been widely criticized by the international community for its suppression of dissent and human rights violations.
In August 2021, Min Aung Hlaing was appointed Prime Minister of Myanmar, heading a transition government that is slated to remain in place until new elections are held in 2023.
International Sanctions
Min Aung Hlaing has been the subject of international sanctions due to his role in the military coup and alleged human rights abuses. In 2019, the United States imposed travel bans on him and his family members. In 2021, the European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia imposed sanctions on him for his involvement in gross human rights violations.
Personal Life and Allegations of Business Interests
Min Aung Hlaing is married to Kyu Kyu Hla and has three children. He is a major shareholder in Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL), an army-owned company. His son, Aung Pyae Sone, is reportedly a wealthy businessman with interests in various companies, including Mytel, a major telecommunications provider in Myanmar.
Allegations have been made that Min Aung Hlaing's family members have significant business interests, including a film studio owned by his daughter. However, the extent of their business dealings is not fully known.