Joseph Aoun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Aoun
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| جوزيف عون | |
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Aoun in 2025
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| 14th President of Lebanon | |
| Assumed office 9 January 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Najib Mikati (acting) |
| 14th Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces | |
| In office 8 March 2017 – 9 January 2025 |
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| President | Michel Aoun Najib Mikati (acting) |
| Preceded by | Jean Kahwaji |
| Succeeded by | Hassan Audi (acting) Rodolph Haykal |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 January 1964 Sin el Fil, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Nehmat Aoun |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Lebanese American University (BA) Lebanese Army Military Acad. |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Lebanon |
| Branch | Lebanese Army |
| Service years | 1983–2025 |
| Rank |  General |
| Wars | Lebanese Civil War Syrian civil war spillover in Lebanon |
Joseph Khalil Aoun (born 10 January 1964) is a Lebanese politician and army general. He has been the 14th president of Lebanon since 9 January 2025. Before becoming president, he was the commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. He is the fifth army commander to be elected president in Lebanon's history.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph Aoun was born on January 10, 1964. His birthplace was Sin el-Fil, a suburb of Beirut in Lebanon. His parents are Hoda Ibrahim Makhlouta and Khalil Aoun. He finished high school at Collège des Frères Mont La Salle. His family originally comes from the town of Al-Aaishiyah in Southern Lebanon.
Aoun studied at the Lebanese American University. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international affairs in 2007. He also has a bachelor's degree in military science. He received this degree from the Lebanese Army Military Academy.
Military Career
Aoun joined the Lebanese army in 1983. He enrolled in the military academy during the Lebanese Civil War. He received training in other countries, including the United States and Syria. He also trained in counter-terrorism in the United States in 2008 and in Lebanon in 2013. In 2015, he became the head of the army's 9th Infantry Brigade.
Service During Conflict
In 1990, Aoun was a lieutenant in the Lebanese Army's Commando Regiment. During a conflict in 1990, his unit faced a difficult situation. After his leader was killed, Aoun took over command of the unit.
Leading the Lebanese Armed Forces
In 2015, Aoun was put in charge of the 9th Brigade. This brigade was stationed near the border with Israel. On March 8, 2017, the Lebanese government chose him to be the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. He took over from Jean Kahwaji.
General Aoun led important battles against extremist groups. These groups were based near Lebanon's border with Syria. On August 19, 2017, he commanded the Jroud Dawn Operation. This was a successful attack to remove the militants from their strongholds.
In March 2021, General Aoun spoke out about Lebanon's economic challenges. He talked about how these problems affected the military. His speech became very popular online.
On December 15, 2023, the Lebanese parliament voted to extend Aoun's term. This meant he would remain commander for another year. He led the army through the 2024 conflict with Israel. His term was extended a second time on November 28, 2024.
Political Career
People first started talking about Joseph Aoun becoming president in July 2022. Samir Geagea, a Lebanese political leader, suggested he would be a good choice. Qatar and the United States also showed their support for him. They promised to help the Lebanese army.
In December 2022, a group of five nations was formed. This group included the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar. They met to discuss how to fill the presidential vacancy in Lebanon. Most of these countries supported Aoun's election.
In 2024, Walid Jumblatt was the first to officially announce his support. He said his political group would vote for Aoun. On January 9, 2025, several opposition groups also publicly supported Aoun.
Presidency (2025–present)
Election as President
On January 9, 2025, Joseph Aoun was elected president. He won in the second round of the election. In his first speech, he promised to fight corruption and poverty. He also vowed to promote economic and political improvements. He stated that Lebanon would overcome any occupation. He also emphasized that the state should be the only one allowed to carry weapons.
Some people criticized his election. They argued that the Lebanese constitution usually prevents a sitting army commander from becoming president. However, this rule has been set aside before. For example, Michel Suleiman was elected president in 2008 while he was still army chief.
First Presidential Speech
After becoming president, Joseph Aoun gave a speech to the Lebanese Parliament. He shared his plans for the country. He promised to make the justice system fair and strong. He also said that government jobs would be given based on honesty and skill.
Aoun also talked about important issues for the Lebanese people. He stressed that only the Lebanese Army should have military power. He also aimed to build strong relationships with Arab nations. He called for talks with Syria to solve border issues and the refugee crisis. He also wanted Lebanon to have good relations with countries around the world.
Nawaf Salam's Cabinet
One of President Aoun's first actions was to choose Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister of Lebanon. Salam was the head of the International Court of Justice. He won the majority of votes from members of parliament.
This election showed that the influence of Hezbollah, a political and military group, might be changing. This is partly because of their losses in the conflict with Israel. President Aoun has emphasized that the state should control all weapons.
Disarming of Hezbollah
Hezbollah has shown some willingness to discuss its weapons. This would depend on Israel leaving certain areas in southern Lebanon. President Aoun wants direct talks with Hezbollah. The goal is to transfer their weapons to state control. He aims for 2025 to be the year when the state has the only right to carry arms.
The Lebanese Army, under Aoun's leadership, has been given the task. They are to take control of weapons and remove unauthorized military bases. This is part of a ceasefire agreement after the 2024 conflict. It requires the army to take control and remove all unauthorized weapons.
Personal Life
Joseph Aoun is married to Nehmat Nehmeh. They have two children, Khalil and Nour. He can speak Arabic, French, and English very well.
His son, Khalil Aoun, plays basketball. He is a forward for Antranik Youth Association. He has also played for other teams like Champville, Hoops Club, and Louaize.
Joseph Aoun is not related to Michel Aoun. Michel Aoun was also a former President of Lebanon and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. In Lebanon, the President and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces are traditionally selected from the Maronite Christian community.
Honors and Awards
Joseph Aoun has received many honors and awards for his service. These include:
- War Medal (three times)
- Medal of the Wounded (two times)
- Medal of National Unity
- Medal of the "Dawn of the South"
- Military Valour Medal, Silver
- Grand Cordon of the National Order of the Cedar (Lebanon's highest honor)
- Extraordinary Class of the Order of Merit
- Officer of the French Legion of Honor
See also
In Spanish: Joseph Aoun para niños
