Army Chief Joseph Aoun Elected as Lebanon's New President, Marking a New Era for the Country
In a significant development, Lebanon's parliament has elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the country's new president, bringing an end to a prolonged period of political uncertainty. Aoun, who has been serving as the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017, won the presidential election on January 9, 2025, and is set to take office as the 14th president of Lebanon.
Aoun's election has been welcomed by various countries, including Qatar, which expressed its best wishes to the new president for success in his duties ¹. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese people and its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, security, and stability of the Lebanese Republic.
Aoun's presidency marks a new era for Lebanon, which has been grappling with numerous challenges, including economic instability, corruption, and security concerns. As the new president, Aoun has vowed to address these challenges and work towards establishing security and stability in the country.
In his inaugural speech, Aoun emphasized the importance of judicial independence and pledged to end mafias, drug trafficking, and interference in the justice system ². He also stressed the need for the Lebanese state to invest in its army to protect its borders, combat smuggling and terrorism, and counter Israeli aggression.
Aoun's election has been seen as a significant development for Lebanon, which has been without a president for several months. The country's parliament had been unable to elect a new president due to disagreements among various political factions.
Aoun's background as a military leader is expected to bring a sense of stability and security to the country. He has served as the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017 and has played a key role in combating terrorism and maintaining security in the country.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Aoun's election has been welcomed by many Lebanese citizens, who are hopeful that he will bring about positive change to the country. As Lebanon embarks on a new era under Aoun's leadership, the international community will be watching closely to see how he addresses the country's numerous challenges.
Aoun was born on January 10, 1964, in Sin el-Fil, a suburb of Beirut. He completed his secondary education at the Collège des Frères Mont La Salle and later enrolled at the Lebanese American University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international affairs ².
Aoun also holds a bachelor's degree in military science from the Lebanese Army Military Academy. He has undergone training abroad, including in the United States and Syria, and has received counter-terrorism training in the United States and Lebanon.
Aoun joined the Lebanese army in 1983 and has served in various roles, including as the commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade. He was appointed as the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces in 2017, replacing Jean Kahwaji ².
During his tenure as army chief, Aoun has played a key role in combating terrorism and maintaining security in Lebanon. He has led battles against ISIS and other terrorist groups, and has worked to strengthen the country's military capabilities.
Aoun's presidential ambitions were first raised in July 2022, when Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea suggested that he would make a good successor to President Michel Aoun ². Aoun's candidacy gained momentum in recent months, with Qatar and other countries expressing their support for his election.
Aoun's election as president marks a significant development for Lebanon, which has been grappling with numerous challenges in recent years. As the new president, Aoun will face numerous challenges, including addressing the country's economic instability, combating corruption, and maintaining security in the face of ongoing regional tensions.
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