General Joseph Aoun, commander of the Lebanese Army, is widely regarded as the leading candidate for the nation’s highest political office.
His candidacy comes at a crucial time, as Lebanon has been without a head of state since former President Michel Aoun completed his term on October 31, 2022, resulting in a nearly two-year presidential vacancy, leading up to the upcoming presidential election.
Originally set to retire on January 10, 2025, General Joseph Khalil Aoun’s tenure has been extended by one year following a decision by the parliament, allowing him to maintain his influential position during this pivotal period in Lebanon’s political landscape.
Why it matters
Lebanon’s parliament is convening on Thursday in its 13th attempt to elect the 14th head of state during a presidential vacuum that’s lasted over two years.
Without a president, Lebanon has been operating under a transitional government. Many Lebanese citizens viewed the army, led by Gen. Joseph Aoun, as a source of stability.
Alongside Army Chief Joseph Aoun, there are other candidates such as Jihad Azour, a prominent official at the International Monetary Fund and Elias El Baissary, acting chief of Lebanon’s General Security agency.
However, it appears that both international and local support give General Aoun a clear advantage in the presidential race.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has stated that an amendment to the constitution would be necessary for Aoun to assume the presidency, as the current provisions prohibit a serving state official from becoming head of state.
About Joseph Aoun
Joseph Aoun is the current commander of the Lebanese army, having assumed the role on March 8, 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji.
Aoun maintains strong connections with the United States, having undergone military and counterterrorism training in the country. Aoun’s military career began as a volunteer in 1983, and he has since completed various military courses, including an officers’ course in 1986, a diving course in 1987, and a senior officer’s course in 1996. In 2013, he took part in a workshop focused on intelligence and counterterrorism, along with several training courses abroad, particularly in the United States, where he completed two infantry courses in 1988 and 1995, and later 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. In 2015, Aoun was appointed commander of the 9th Brigade, which is 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 at that time.
Throughout his military career, 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-Joroud, 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 managed to maintain as one of the few resilient institutions in a country facing systemic collapse.
Read more: Lebanon passes amendments to banking secrecy law
Commitment to integrity
Since taking over command of the army in 2017, Aoun has initiated a comprehensive campaign to combat corruption within the military, impacting many personnel. His reputation as an anti-corruption advocate has greatly influenced his standing as a credible figure capable of steering the country away from collapse.
Following the 2020 explosion at the port of Beirut, Lebanon’s allied nations redirected their aid to the military, asserting that they trusted only the army to distribute it. As a result, all aid—amounting to tens of millions of dollars—was allocated directly to the military and was under Aoun’s control and management. It seems that the military establishment has effectively handled these funds without facing shortages attributed to corruption.
Promotions
Throughout his military career, Joseph Aoun has achieved remarkable promotions, including:
- Enrolled in the Army as a cadet officer and joined the Military Academy starting 19/05/1983.
- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant starting 06/05/1985.
- Promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant starting 01/07/1988.
- Promoted to the rank of Captain starting 01/01/1993.
- Promoted to the rank of Major starting 01/01/1998.
- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel starting 01/01/2003.
- Promoted to the rank of Colonel P.S.C starting 01/07/2007.
- Promoted to the rank of Brigadier General P.S.C starting 01/07/2013.
- He was promoted to the rank of General and was appointed as the Armed Forces Commander on 8/3/2017.
Academic qualifications
Aoun boasts an impressive academic background, holding a degree in political science focused on international relations, along with a university degree in military sciences.
Personal life of Joseph Aoun
In addition to his native Arabic, Aoun is proficient in both 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 partner’s commitment to the military institution as akin to having a “second wife.” She highlighted that he dedicated his personal life to the nation, while she took on substantial responsibilities in their everyday life.
Historical context of military leadership
Military leaders have previously secured the presidency in Lebanon, starting with Fouad Shehab, who held office from 1958 to 1964. Shehab implemented significant reforms and improved Lebanon’s circumstances. Two other military figures who became presidents are Emile Lahoud (1998-2007) and Michel Sleiman (2008-2014).
