Myanmar’s former spymaster Ye Win Oo rises to become military chief

(Reuters)

March 31 – When Myanmar’s military ousted a democratically elected government in a dawn coup on February 1, 2021, Ye Win Oo led the contingent of troops that arrested Nobel ​Peace Prize winner and the country’s then leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

On Monday, the 60-year-old general was appointed the commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s military, which has dominated ‌domestic politics for decades, catapulting the former spymaster into one of the most powerful offices in the country.

The key factor in Ye Win Oo’s selection – the first intelligence chief to rise to the top – is his close proximity and loyalty to the outgoing commander, Min Aung Hlaing, according to six people, including diplomats, analysts and a defector.

A junta spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Although he has shed ​his uniform, Min Aung Hlaing is poised to become Myanmar’s president, following a general election in December and January that was widely derided as a sham ​to help the ruling generals retain their grip on power.

“Min Aung Hlaing has chosen to hand over power to his most trusted ⁠inner circle loyalist,” said Naung Yoe, a major who defected from the military in 2021 following the coup, which plunged Myanmar into civil war.

Naung Yoe and Naing Min ​Khant, an analyst at the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar think tank, also confirmed Ye Win Oo’s personal involvement in the arrest of Suu Kyi, the 80-year-old politician ​who the military then tried in secret and jailed.

“He appointed Ye Win Oo so that he can maintain influence and authority, and continue to dominate the military through someone who listens to him,” said Naung Yoe, referring to Min Aung Hlaing, who will need the military’s assistance and protection as he transitions to a political role.