Min Aung Hlaing

Min Aung Hlaing was born on 3 July 1956 in Tavoy, Tenasserim Division, Burma (Myanmar). His father is Thaung Hlaing, a civil engineer, who worked at the Ministry of Construction.[2]

Min Aung Hlaing passed his matriculation exam in 1972 at BEHS 1 Latha of Rangoon (Yangon).[2][3] He attended and studied law at the Rangoon Arts and Science University from 1972 to 1973 before he joined the Defense Services Academy in the 19th Intake 1974 on his third attempt.[4] He was reportedly shunned by classmates because of his reserved personality. Key dates are as follows:

• 1972 March – Rangoon Arts and Science University (Law)
• 1974—University Training Corps (1971–1974: sergeant)
• 1974 January – Defence Services Academy
• 1977 December—Commissioned a second lieutenant in the Burmese Army

Following graduation, Min Aung Hlaing went on to command positions in Mon State and in 2002, he was promoted to commander of the Triangle Region Command in Eastern Shan State and was a central figure in negotiations with two rebel groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).[2]

He rose to prominence in 2009 after leading an offensive against the insurgent Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army in Kokang.[5]

In June 2010, Min Aung Hlaing replaced General Shwe Mann as Joint Chief of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.[2] On 30 March 2011 he became the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Myanmar, replacing the outgoing head of state and junta chief, Senior General Than Shwe.[6]

In November 2011, according to The Irrawaddy News, it was "widely believed" that following Min Aung Hlaing's meetings with Chinese military officials that month and his leadership in creating a bilateral agreement on defense cooperation with the Chinese, he had also held talks with Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping regarding cooperation from China with respect to the Kachin Conflict.[5]

On March 27, 2012, during a speech in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing defended the military's continued role in national politics.[5][7] On April 3, 2012, the Government of Myanmar announced that Min Aung Hlaing had been promoted to vice-senior general, the second highest rank in the Armed Forces of Myanmar.[5] He was promoted to senior general in March 2013.

The UNHRC reported that Min Aung Hlaing's soldiers have been deliberately targeting civilians in Northern states of Myanmar and have been doing "systemic discrimination” and human rights violations against minority communities in Rakhine State.[8] In particular, he has been accused of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people.[9] These human rights violations could amount to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.[10]

Facebook banned Min Aung Hlaing from its platform along with 19 other top Burmese officials and organisations to prevent further heated ethnic and religious tensions in Myanmar. This action followed a UN investigation's report that certain military leaders in Myanmar be investigated and prosecuted for genocide over a crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.[11][12]

Twitter later banned him on May 16, 2019.[13]

• The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand[14]

• The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), Thailand[15]

• The Most Gallant Order of Military Service, Gallant Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera), Honorary Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (1st Degree), Malaysia