Than Shwe, the general who ruled Myanmar with an iron fist for 19 years, has retired as head of the military after handing power to a nominally civilian government, officials said Monday. The postman-turned-dictator last week disbanded the junta, the State Peace and Development Council, following November polls marred by the absence of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and complaints of cheating and intimidation.
"Senior General Than Shwe and Vice-Senior General Maung Aye retired on March 30 after handing over power to the new government. They are staying at their homes in Naypyidaw. We cannot say their plan for the future. So far they are taking a rest," a Myanmar official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The army hierarchy retains a firm grip on power in the resource-rich Southeast Asian country, and many analysts believe 78-year-old Than Shwe will play a significant role behind the scenes. "Although they are retired, they will give some advice when the government asks for it," a second official said.
The SPDC, previously known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council, took power in 1988, but Myanmar has been under military authority since 1962 and the generals continue to dominate the impoverished nation. Former prime minister Thein Sein, a key Than Shwe ally, was sworn in as president at the parliament in Naypyidaw on Wednesday of last week, but there has been no official public announcement about Than Shwe's role.
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