2021 Myanmar coup d'état

The 2021 Myanmar coup d'état saw the military, led by Min Aung Hlaing, overthrow the elected government. Min Aung Hlaing, who has now been elected President by the parliament, was the commander-in-chief of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces) and the de facto leader of the country since the coup. The coup sparked widespread protests and resistance, escalating into a civil war. The event is newsworthy due to recent developments, including Min Aung Hlaing's election as president in 2026, Thailand's efforts to reintegrate Myanmar into ASEAN, and reports of significant civilian casualties during recent military actions. Specifically, the UN reports at least 170 deaths from air strikes during the widely criticized elections held in December 2025. These elections, organized by the military, have been dismissed as a 'sham' by many, including exiled Myanmar youth. The ongoing conflict and political instability continue to have regional and international significance, impacting ASEAN's unity and raising concerns about human rights and democracy.