Why Myanmar’s Junta Axed Its National Security Adviser

Admiral Moe Aung, a longtime confidant of Myanmar’s military leadership, has been quietly removed from his dual roles as Union minister at the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and national security advisor, following a major reshuffle.

On July 30, junta boss Min Aung Hlaing threw a farewell party in Naypyitaw for his outgoing SAC members, before rebranding the body as the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC). Moe Aung was notably absent at the event as Min Aung Hlaing thanked his SAC colleagues, many of whom continue to sit on the SSPC.

Former generals including Mya Tun Oo, Aung Lin Dwe, Tin Aung San and Nyo Saw have been appointed to both the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) and the interim government, which will be in office until power is transferred after the planned elections in December. But when the new lineups were announced, Moe Aung was nowhere to be seen.