By New Day Myanmar‘ Edtorial Team

Remarks made by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on March 13, in which he reviewed his 15 years of service as Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar military, have raised fresh questions about whether he may be preparing to step down from the top military post.

The meeting was attended by commanders from across the country, including regional military commands, unit commanders, and operational commanders. Participants joined either in person at the military headquarters in Naypyitaw or via video conferencing. During the session, Min Aung Hlaing reportedly spent nearly two hours outlining developments and actions taken since he first assumed the role of Commander-in-Chief on March 30, 2011.

Toward the end of the meeting, he expressed gratitude to Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vice Senior General Soe Win for their cooperation, a gesture that some within military circles interpreted as resembling a farewell message.

Speculation circulating within military circles suggests that Min Aung Hlaing may step down from the commander-in-chief position around the end of March.

Military sources say several recent developments could signal preparations for the end of his tenure as army chief. These include the recent commissioning ceremonies for new military aircraft and naval vessels, which were held outside the usual annual schedule, as well as the meeting reviewing his 15 years as commander.

Internal discussions within the military have also raised questions about whether Min Aung Hlaing might retire from the armed forces to assume the presidency or potentially take on the role of chair of the Union Advisory Council.

According to some current analyses, Min Aung Hlaing could step down as commander-in-chief and later assume the presidency through the vice-presidential position nominated by military representatives in parliament.

These developments coincide with plans to convene the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) on March 16, the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) on March 18, and the regional and state parliaments on March 20.

Observers therefore believe the junta may be preparing Min Aung Hlaing for a new political role as part of the process of forming a new government.

Military analysts note that even if Min Aung Hlaing steps down from his post as commander-in-chief, a key question will be how much influence he continues to wield over the armed forces.

Traditionally, it has been difficult to maintain control over the military without holding the top position directly. As a result, the relationship between Min Aung Hlaing and the next commander-in-chief could become a decisive factor.

During the meeting reviewing his 15 years as military chief, Min Aung Hlaing said that while political governments may change according to their terms, the military must remain constant and continue to safeguard the 2008 Constitution.

He also stated that the military must protect the non-disintegration of the Union, national solidarity, and national sovereignty.

Such remarks suggest that even if he retires from the military, the armed forces will continue to maintain a central role in Myanmar’s political landscape.

Min Aung Hlaing was born in 1956 and is currently 70 years old. After overthrowing the elected government in the February 1, 2021 coup, Myanmar has since experienced intensifying armed conflict and economic decline.

Under current circumstances, the meeting reviewing his 15-year tenure appears to be more than a routine internal briefing. Analysts say it may represent preparations for Min Aung Hlaing’s next political role.

As the end of March approaches, whether Min Aung Hlaing will step down as commander-in-chief and what role he might assume within a new government could become a key factor shaping the junta’s next power structure.