Myanmar Junta Chief Sworn in as President

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as president on Friday, AFP journalists saw, continuing his rule from a civilian post five years after snatching power in a military coup. 

As the nation's armed forces chief, Min Aung Hlaing ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 -- detaining the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and triggering a civil war. 

After a half-decade of ruling by diktat, he organised an election concluding in January



excluding her party and securing a walkover win for military allies in civilian politics who backed him into the top office.

A triumphant parliamentary ceremony in the sprawling capital Naypyidaw saw the 69-year-old read aloud the presidential oath promising to "strive for further flourishing the eternal principles of justice, liberty and equality". 

"I will dedicate myself to the service of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar," he said, starting his five-year term.