Lebanese leader seen as a unifying figure amid deep divisions and economic turmoil
Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s esteemed army commander, has been elected president, taking office on January 9, 2025. His rise to the presidency follows months of political stalemate in a nation grappling with sectarian divisions and financial collapse.
A 60-year-old career soldier, Aoun is celebrated for his integrity and leadership, particularly in keeping the military neutral during Lebanon’s volatile sectarian tensions and recent clashes between Hezbollah and Israel. His election, backed by key international powers such as the United States and Saudi Arabia, is seen as a pivotal step toward restoring stability in the deeply fractured nation.
A Steady Hand in Turbulent Times
Since assuming command of the Lebanese Armed Forces in 2017, Aoun has navigated the military through unprecedented challenges, including a financial crisis that devalued soldiers’ salaries and threatened the institution’s stability. Despite these hardships, the army remained a rare symbol of unity in a country still haunted by the legacy of its 1975-1990 civil war.
Aoun also played a key role in enforcing a US- and French-brokered 60-day ceasefire in southern Lebanon, requiring the Lebanese army to deploy in areas previously dominated by Hezbollah. Analysts highlight his efforts to strengthen the army as Lebanon’s last-standing non-sectarian institution.
“He is perceived as someone who is dedicated and has the national interest at heart,” said Karim Bitar, an international relations expert at Beirut’s Saint-Joseph University.
A Candidate of Compromise
Aoun’s election follows the withdrawal of Hezbollah-backed candidate Suleiman Frangieh, paving the way for a broader consensus in parliament. Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, had long resisted Aoun’s candidacy but ultimately supported him under growing domestic and international pressure.
With backing from the US, France, and Saudi Arabia, Aoun is seen as uniquely positioned to bridge Lebanon’s deep political divides. His ties with Washington, cultivated during his tenure as army chief, have ensured continued US military aid, a critical lifeline for Lebanon’s armed forces.
A Vision for Unity
Born into Lebanon’s Maronite Christian community, Aoun embodies the country’s confessional political system, which allocates the presidency to a Maronite Christian, the premiership to a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker role to a Shiite Muslim. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, Aoun has leveraged his diplomatic skills to maintain relations across Lebanon’s polarized political spectrum.
As president, Aoun faces the monumental task of rebuilding Lebanon’s economy, restoring public trust, and maintaining the fragile peace between rival factions. His election offers a glimmer of hope for a country desperate for stability and reform.
For many, Aoun represents a new beginning in a nation yearning for leadership that transcends sectarianism. Whether he can rise to meet the immense challenges ahead will determine Lebanon’s path forward.
