UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to President Joseph Aoun in light of his electoral victory and subsequent oath-taking as the President of the Republic of Lebanon. Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also extended comparable congratulatory messages to President Aoun following the Joseph Aoun Lebanon President election.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to X to congratulate Aoun, stating: “Congratulations to Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon. I wish him success in leading his country and its people to further stability, development, and progress, and I look forward to working with him to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Lebanon.”
Meanwhile, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated Lebanon President 2025 Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon, articulating his hopes for ongoing stability, security, and progress for the Lebanese populace.
Significance of Lebanon’s presidential election
Lebanon’s parliament has elected Joseph Aoun as its 14th president, bringing an end to a political deadlock that had left the position vacant for over two years. Aoun, who previously served as army chief, received 99 votes in the 128-seat assembly during the session convened to elect the new head of state. The election of Army Chief Joseph Aoun is particularly significant due to his esteemed background and the support he receives from influential international players, including the United States and regional allies.
Joseph Aoun’s candidacy arose at a crucial moment, as Lebanon had been without a president since former President Michel Aoun completed his term on October 31, 2022, resulting in an extended presidential void. During this time, Lebanon has been operating under a transitional government. Many Lebanese citizens viewed the military, under Joseph Aoun’s leadership, as a pillar of stability. The Lebanese Armed Forces have played a crucial role in maintaining a fragile ceasefire and are anticipated to aid in stabilizing the nation amidst ongoing political and economic turmoil.
Constitutional challenges
Alongside Joseph Aoun, other contenders included Jihad Azour, a senior official at the International Monetary Fund, and Elias El Baissary, the acting head of Lebanon’s General Security agency. However, it appeared that both local and international support decidedly favored Aoun in the presidential race. According to Lebanon’s sectarian political framework, the post of parliament speaker is designated for a Shiite Muslim. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has indicated that a constitutional amendment would be necessary for Aoun to assume the presidency, as current regulations prevent a serving state official from becoming head of state. The premiership is allocated to a Sunni Muslim, emphasizing the significance of sectarian identities in Lebanon’s governance.
Originally scheduled to retire on January 10, 2025, Joseph Aoun’s term has been extended by an additional year as determined by parliament, allowing him to maintain a pivotal role during this critical period in Lebanon’s political landscape.
About Lebanon President 2025 Joseph Aoun
Lebanon President Joseph Aoun has served as the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since March 8, 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji. His election as president represents a crucial moment for restoring governmental stability and overseeing military operations in regional conflicts. Aoun has developed strong relationships with the United States, having undergone military and counterterrorism training there. Under his leadership, Lebanon’s military has received significant international support, particularly from the U.S., which is essential given the ongoing economic challenges facing Lebanon’s armed forces.
Aoun’s military career began as a volunteer in 1983. He has completed various military training programs, including an officers’ course in 1986, a diving course in 1987, and a senior officer’s course in 1996. In 2013, he attended a workshop focused on intelligence and counterterrorism, along with various training courses abroad, particularly in the United States, where he completed infantry courses in both 1988 and 1995 and participated in the International Program for Counter-Terrorism Policy between 2008 and 2009. He also attended a demolition course in Syria in 1996 and a battalion commanders’ course in Syria from 2002 to 2003.
Military appointments
In 2015, Aoun was appointed commander of the 9th Brigade stationed in southern Lebanon, and in 2016, he was reassigned to the eastern sector along the border with Syria, where he addressed the threat posed by ISIS. Throughout his military career, Aoun has received numerous accolades and decorations. He is particularly recognized for two significant achievements in the eyes of the Lebanese populace: the first being Fajr al-Jaroud, the successful battle he led against hundreds of ISIS militants in 2017 in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border. The second is his unyielding campaign against corruption within the military establishment, which he has strived to maintain as one of the few resilient institutions in a country facing systemic collapse.
Newly-elect Lebanon President 2025 Joseph Aoun
Commitment to integrity in the Lebanese Armed Forces
Throughout his military career, Lebanon President 2025 Joseph Aoun has been awarded numerous medals and decorations. His name is closely associated with two significant events in the eyes of the Lebanese people: the first being Fajr al-Jaroud, the battle he successfully led against hundreds of ISIS militants in 2017 in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border. The second is his enduring campaign against corruption within the military establishment, which he has maintained as one of the few resilient institutions in a country facing systemic collapse.
The Lebanese Armed Forces have also played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement, ensuring Hezbollah withdraw its forces as part of the U.S. and France-brokered deal.
Promotions
Throughout his military career, Joseph Aoun has achieved several significant promotions, including:
- Enrolled in the Army as a cadet officer and joined the Military Academy on May 19, 1983.
- Promoted to Lieutenant on May 6, 1985.
- Promoted to First Lieutenant on July 1, 1988.
- Promoted to Captain on January 1, 1993.
- Promoted to Major on January 1, 1998.
- Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on January 1, 2003.
- Promoted to Colonel P.S.C on July 1, 2007.
- Promoted to Brigadier General P.S.C on July 1, 2013.
- Promoted to General and appointed as the Armed Forces Commander on March 8, 2017.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli troops withdrew, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanon. This deployment included troops alongside UN peacekeepers to stabilize the region after conflict.
Academic qualifications
Army Commander Aoun possesses an impressive academic background, holding a degree in political science with a focus on international relations, as well as a university degree in military sciences.
Personal life
In addition to his native Arabic, Aoun is fluent in French and English. On the personal front, he is married to Mrs. Neemat Nehme, and together they have two children, Khalil and Nour, along with several grandchildren. In an interview with Lebanon’s Army magazine in April 2020, Neemat Aoun described her husband’s commitment to the military institution as akin to having a “second wife,” highlighting that he devoted his personal life to the nation while she managed significant responsibilities at home.
Historical context of Lebanese military leadership
Historically, military leaders have occupied the presidency in Lebanon, starting with Fouad Shehab, who served from 1958 to 1964. The presidency in Lebanon is traditionally allocated to a Maronite Christian, reflecting the country’s sectarian power-sharing arrangements. Shehab implemented significant reforms that improved Lebanon’s circumstances. Other military figures who have ascended to the presidency include Emile Lahoud (1998-2007) and Michel Sleiman (2008-2014).
