Myanmar’s military ruler declares himself Prime Minister: What you need to know

Picture Courtesy: France24

Six months after the army took control of Myanmar, its military ruler Min Aung Hlaing has taken on the role of Prime Minister in a newly formed caretaker government. Min Aung Hlaing announced this in a speech on Sunday, where he also said that there will be elections in Myanmar in 2023.

This comes exactly six months after the military gained control of the country on Feb 1st and removed the then Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the previous election. The military said at that time that the elections were fraudulent.

Min Aung Hlaing has been the chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) that was formed just after the coup. A news report in the country read, "In order to perform the country's duties fast, easily and effectively, the state administration council has been re-formed as the caretaker government of Myanmar.”

Min Aung Hlaing said in his speech, "We will accomplish the provisions of the state of emergency by August 2023. I guarantee the establishment of a union based on democracy and federalism.”

After the military took control, Suu Kyi, 75, was charged with several crimes. This led to months of protests in the country that have paralyzed the public and private sectors. The military had said that whoever has opposed it is a terrorist.