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Lebanon has elected Joseph Aoun, the former army commander, as its 14th president, filling a two-year vacancy left by his predecessor Michel Aoun (no relation). The 61-year-old secured broad parliamentary backing, receiving 99 votes in the second round of voting after months of political deadlock.
Aoun, known for his military expertise, rose through the ranks of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and gained prominence for his leadership during a 2017 counterterrorism operation against ISIL fighters in Lebanon’s northeast. His tenure as army commander coincided with Lebanon's economic and political crises, including the 2020 Beirut explosion and growing tensions with Hezbollah.
Despite these challenges, Aoun kept the Lebanese army neutral during Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah in 2023, a move seen as pivotal in stabilizing the country. His commitment to rebuilding war-torn areas and prioritizing national unity was emphasized in his inauguration speech, though his stance on key issues, such as Hezbollah's disarmament, remains ambiguous.
Aoun’s presidency begins at a critical juncture, as Lebanon grapples with economic recovery and political reform. His election signals hope for unity, but tangible improvements for the Lebanese people are yet to be seen.
With information from Al Jazeera.
