Myanmar’s Military Appoints 60-Year-Old General as Commander-in-Chief
On Monday, Myanmar’s military appointed a 60-year-old general as its new commander-in-chief. This move catapults Ye Win Oo, the former spymaster, into one of the country’s most powerful roles.
The key factor in Ye Win Oo’s selection was his close proximity and loyalty to the outgoing commander, Min Aung Hlaing. Six sources, including diplomats, analysts, and a defector, confirmed this.
Min Aung Hlaing is poised to become Myanmar’s president following a general election in December and January that many considered a sham to help the ruling generals retain power.
Ye Win Oo was personally involved in the arrest of Nobel Peace Prize winner and former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He was then tried secretly and jailed by the military.
Unlike other high-ranking officers, Ye Win Oo did not graduate from the elite Defence Services Academy but attended the Officer Training School instead. His rise to power was heavily backed by Min Aung Hlaing, with analysts noting his significant influence over the leader’s grip on power.
Min Aung Hlaing has often prioritized important positions for loyalists while occasionally detaining senior officers as a way to control potential rivals. UN investigators have accused Myanmar’s security forces of systematic torture and other abuses during interrogations and detention facilities.
Despite these allegations, Ye Win Oo is expected to remain compliant with Min Aung Hlaing’s presidency for at least two years. Any major changes in the military’s doctrine are unlikely as it continues to battle armed groups across the country.