Myanmar's junta has cleared the way for General Min Aung Hlaing to become civilian president, amid five years of hardline rule and a civil war. The move aims to legitimize his rule, despite criticism and concerns over human rights.

Myanmar cleared the way on Monday for coup-leading General Min Aung Hlaing to become president and maintain his rule in civilian garb, with lawmakers nominating him as a vice-presidential candidate and the junta replacing him as military commander. Min Aung Hlaing has ruled Myanmar since 2021 when he ordered a coup toppling the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi – detaining the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, dissolving her party and triggering civil war. After five years of hardline rule, he...