Michel Aoun facts for kids

In this article, the family name is Naim.

Quick facts for kids General Michel Aoun
ميشال عون
Aoun in 2022

13th President of Lebanon
In office 31 October 2016 – 31 October 2022
Prime Minister	See list Tammam Salam Saad Hariri Hassan Diab Najib Mikati
Preceded by	Michel Suleiman
Succeeded by	Joseph Aoun
Acting 22 September 1988 – 13 October 1990^ Disputed
Prime Minister	Himself (acting)
Preceded by	Amine Gemayel
Succeeded by	Elias Hrawi
Acting Prime Minister of Lebanon
In office 22 September 1988 – 13 October 1990^^ Disputed
President	Himself (acting)
Preceded by	Selim Hoss
Succeeded by	Selim Hoss
Member of Parliament
In office 20 April 2005 – 31 October 2016
Succeeded by	Chamel Roukoz
Constituency	Keserwan District
10th Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces
In office 23 June 1984 – 27 November 1989
President	Amine Gemayel Himself (acting)
Preceded by	Ibrahim Tannous
Succeeded by	Émile Lahoud

Personal details
Born	Michel Naim Aoun (1933-09-30) 30 September 1933 (age 91) Haret Hreik, Beirut, Lebanon
Political party	Free Patriotic Movement
Other political affiliations	March 8 Alliance
Spouse	Nadia El-Chami (m. 1968)
Children	3
Awards	OM ONC
Signature
Nicknames	Jebrayel, Raad The General
Military service
Allegiance	Lebanon
Branch/service	Lebanese Army
Years of service	1958–1991
Rank	General
Battles/wars	Lebanese Civil War
^Aoun's presidency was disputed by Selim Hoss, René Moawad and Elias Hrawi. ^^Aoun's premiership was disputed by Selim Hoss.

Michel Naim Aoun (born 30 September 1933) is a Lebanese politician and a former general. He served as the 13th president of Lebanon from 2016 to 2022.

Born in Haret Hreik into a Maronite Christian family, Aoun joined the Military Academy in 1955. He became an artillery officer in the Lebanese Army. In 1984, at age 49, he became the youngest Commander of the Army.

During the Lebanese Civil War, in 1988, the outgoing President Amine Gemayel appointed Aoun as the interim Prime Minister. This decision led to two rival governments, one supported by Christians and the other by Muslims and Syria.

Aoun declared a "War of Liberation" against Syrian Army forces in 1989. He was against the Taif Agreement and refused to recognize the new presidents. In 1990, Syrian forces attacked his strongholds. Aoun fled to the French Embassy and was later granted asylum in France, where he lived for 15 years.

While in exile, Aoun started the Free Patriotic Movement. He also spoke in the US Congress to support the Syria Accountability Act. In 2005, large protests in Lebanon led to Syrian troops leaving the country. Aoun then returned to Lebanon.

Aoun was elected to Parliament in 2005. His party won many seats, becoming a major Christian group. In 2006, he signed an agreement with Hezbollah, forming an important alliance. Despite past conflicts with Syria, Aoun visited Syria in 2008, ending their long rivalry.

In 2016, Aoun made peace with Samir Geagea and gained support from several political parties. He was then elected as the 13th President of Lebanon. At 83, he was the oldest president to take office.

In 2019, Lebanon faced major problems, including a financial crisis and political corruption. This led to widespread protests across the country.

Early Life and Education

Michel Aoun was born in Haret Hreik, a suburb south of Beirut. His family was not wealthy. His father, Naim Aoun, worked as a butcher. His mother, Marie Aoun, was born in the United States.

In 1941, his family had to leave their home because British and Australian forces took it over. He finished high school in 1955 with a degree in Maths. He then joined the Military Academy as a cadet officer. Three years later, he became an artillery officer in the Lebanese Army.

Military Career and Leadership

After graduating, Aoun joined the Second Artillery Regiment in 1958. He went to France for more military training and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1959.

He served during a failed coup attempt in 1961 and was honored for his actions. He also trained in Oklahoma, USA. By 1970, he held several leadership roles in the artillery.

At the start of the civil war, Aoun commanded the Second Artillery Corps. He was involved in the siege of the Tel al-Zaatar camp, which led to its destruction and the displacement of Palestinian refugees. In 1978, he went to France again for more military training.

In 1980, Aoun returned to Lebanon. He became the interim commander of the 8th Infantry Brigade, which was mainly Christian. This brigade protected the Borj Al Barajneh refugee camp and fought against other militias during the Mountain War.

On 23 June 1984, he was promoted to General. He became the tenth Commander of the Armed Forces. At 49, he was the youngest person to hold this position.

Some reports suggest Aoun had strong ties with Bachir Gemayel and Israel. It was said that he proposed an agreement between Lebanon and Israel and met with Israeli officials.

Two Governments: 1988

On 22 September 1988, just before his term ended, President Amine Gemayel appointed Aoun as Prime Minister. Aoun was to lead a military government. Gemayel also removed the existing civilian government.

This decision was controversial because it went against an unwritten rule from 1943. This rule, called the National Pact, said the Prime Minister should be a Sunni Muslim. Gemayel argued that since the President was a Maronite Christian, and the Prime Minister would take over if the President's position was empty, a Maronite could temporarily hold the role.

Muslim leaders refused to join Aoun's government. This led to two rival governments: one civilian and mainly Muslim in West Beirut, and Aoun's military and Christian government in East Beirut. Aoun also served as the Minister of Defense.

War Against Syria: 1989

Michel Aoun during the Lebanese Civil War

In February 1989, General Aoun launched attacks against the Lebanese Forces (LF) around Christian East Beirut. After some fighting, the LF agreed to give Aoun control of Beirut's port. Aoun then tried to block other unofficial seaports. This led to more intense fighting and artillery attacks.

In October 1989, Lebanese leaders met to create the Taif Accord, a plan to end the civil war. Aoun refused to attend and rejected the agreement. He was against it because it did not set a date for Syrian troops to leave Lebanon.

After the Taif Accord was signed, René Moawad was elected president. Moawad was assassinated 17 days later. Elias Hrawi was then elected. Hrawi appointed General Émile Lahoud as army commander and ordered Aoun to leave the Presidential Palace. Aoun refused to leave.

In February 1990, Aoun launched another attack against the Lebanese Forces in East Beirut. This fighting caused a lot of damage to Christian areas of Beirut. About 1,000 people were killed.

The Gulf War also affected Aoun's government. Aoun had received help from Saddam Hussein, who later invaded Kuwait. Syria joined the international coalition against Iraq. This led to Syria getting approval to end Aoun's resistance. On 13 October 1990, Syrian forces attacked the presidential palace. Aoun took refuge at the French Embassy and ordered his units to surrender.

Life in Exile (1990–2005)

France gave Aoun political asylum. After negotiations, he was granted a special pardon and left for France in August 1991. He lived there for 15 years.

On 14 July 1994, he founded the Free Patriotic Movement while in exile.

Working with the United States

In 2001, Aoun began working with Lebanese groups in the United States. He wanted to change American views on Lebanon and end the Syrian presence there. He met with US officials and members of Congress.

In 2003, a bill called the Syria Accountability Act was introduced in the US House of Representatives. Aoun was invited to speak in Congress, where he criticized Syria. This testimony was condemned by some Lebanese politicians who accused him of working against Lebanon.

The bill was approved by both the Senate and the House and signed into law by President George W. Bush in December 2003.

Return to Lebanon: 2005

Aoun returned to Lebanon on 7 May 2005. This happened after the Syrian Army left Lebanon, following the assassination of Rafic Hariri in February 2005. Hariri's death led to large protests, known as the Cedar Revolution, which helped remove Syrian troops.

Upon his return, Aoun held a press conference and visited the graves of fallen soldiers and Rafic Hariri. He also met with Samir Geagea's wife, publicly making peace with former rivals. Many political figures and religious leaders welcomed him back.

Political Career

2005 Elections

In the parliamentary election in May 2005, Aoun's party, the Free Patriotic Movement, performed very well. They won 21 seats, becoming the largest Christian group in Lebanon's Parliament. Aoun himself was elected to the National Assembly.

Agreement with Hezbollah

Aoun supporters in a car decorated with Aoun's portraits, 2006

In 2006, Michel Aoun and Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, met. They signed an agreement to work together. This agreement discussed Hezbollah's weapons and the need for a defense strategy against threats. It also talked about having normal relations with Syria and getting information about Lebanese prisoners there.

After this, Aoun and his party became part of the March 8 Alliance.

Aoun supporters wearing orange elf hats, December 10, 2006

Protests and Government Changes: 2006–2011

From 2006 to 2008, Aoun led protests against the Lebanese government. He claimed the government was not following the constitution and was corrupt. Hundreds of thousands of his supporters, along with those from other parties, gathered in Beirut to demand the government's resignation.

In the 2009 elections, Aoun's party won 27 parliamentary seats. Aoun himself won a seat from Keserwan.

After much political pressure from Aoun, a new government was formed in November 2009. Aoun's party received three ministries. In January 2011, Aoun's allies resigned, causing the government to fall. A new government was formed in June 2011, where Aoun's bloc held 10 ministries.

Presidential Candidacy: 2016

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Michel Aoun made a historic step in Christian relations. Geagea, who was a presidential candidate for another alliance, officially supported Aoun for president. They held a joint press conference and read a 10-point agreement.

This agreement included points like following the Taif Accord, stopping the flow of weapons across the Syrian border, and creating a new election law. Geagea's support was a big boost for Aoun's presidential bid.

Before this, Aoun met with the Maronite Patriarch, who supported efforts to end the presidential vacancy. Aoun also thanked Geagea for his support and promised to work with all political parties.

Geagea's support for Aoun was a surprise because his ally, Saad Hariri, had suggested another candidate. Hezbollah, a long-time ally of Aoun, also confirmed its support for him. The talks between Aoun and Geagea had been going on for a year, ending a bitter rivalry.

On 20 October 2016, Saad Hariri publicly announced his support for Michel Aoun for president. This greatly increased Aoun's chances of being elected.

Election as President

On 31 October 2016, Aoun was elected the president of Lebanon. This ended a 29-month period without a president. After 45 failed attempts, the Parliament finally met for the 46th time.

In the first round of voting, Aoun needed 85 votes but received 84. The second round had to be repeated several times because there were more votes than members present. In the end, Aoun received 83 votes and was elected.

Forty-sixth parliamentary electoral session
First round			Second round*		Third round*		Fourth round
Candidates	Votes	%					Candidates	Votes	%
Michel Aoun	84	66.14					Michel Aoun	83	65.35
Gilberte Zouein	1	0.78					Sethrida Tawk	1	0.78
Invalid/blank votes	42	33.06					Invalid/blank votes	43	33.85
Total	127	100	128	100.78	128	100.78	Total	127	100
Eligible voters	127	100	127	100	127	100	Eligible voters	127	100

*The second and third rounds were cancelled because there were more votes than present MPs.

Aoun was quickly sworn in as president. He promised political and economic improvements. He also called for real teamwork among Lebanon's political groups. He then went to the presidential palace, returning 26 years after he was forced out by Syrian forces.

Presidency (2016–2022)

Forming Governments

Michel Aoun meeting President Putin during his visit to Russia in 2019

After becoming president, Aoun asked Saad Hariri to form a new government. This was part of the agreement that led to Aoun's election. The new government had 30 ministers and was approved by Parliament.

In November 2017, Hariri resigned while in Saudi Arabia. He blamed Iran's policies and interference in Lebanese affairs. He also called Hezbollah a threat. Iran said his resignation was a plot by other countries. Hezbollah's leader called it a "declaration of war" on Lebanon. Aoun later said Hariri was being held in Saudi Arabia. Hariri returned to Beirut and withdrew his resignation after meeting Aoun.

In January 2019, a new Lebanese government was formed, again led by Prime Minister Saad Hariri. It took nine months to form due to long talks with different political groups.

October 17 Revolution

Starting on 17 October 2019, large protests began across Lebanon. They were first sparked by new taxes on gas, tobacco, and messaging apps. But they quickly grew into a revolution against the struggling economy, government failures, unemployment, and corruption. People from all parts of the country joined the protests.

Lebanese protests in Martyrs' Square on Independence Day in 2019

President Michel Aoun spoke to the public on 24 October. He said he was willing to talk with the protesters to find solutions. He supported some reforms but said changes should happen within the government system, not through protests. The protesters, however, demanded the government's resignation.

On 12 November, Aoun gave a live interview. He rejected calls for a fully independent government and warned against economic collapse. He asked for an immediate end to the protests to prevent a "catastrophe." Aoun also said that anyone unhappy with the government could "leave Lebanon." This interview was very unpopular with protesters, who then blocked many roads.

New Cabinets and Challenges

Hassan Diab was appointed prime minister by President Aoun after Saad Hariri resigned. A new government was formed in January 2020, despite public anger. This government was criticized for not being truly independent.

On 10 August 2020, the government resigned after public outrage over the Beirut port explosion. Aoun accepted the resignation and asked the government to continue until a new one was formed. After the first anniversary of the blast, Aoun made a mistake in a speech, which became a source of mockery.

Later, Saad Hariri was again asked to form a government but faced disagreements with Aoun over ministerial positions. Hariri eventually gave up on forming a government in July 2021.

2020 Beirut Port Explosion

On 4 August 2020, a huge amount of ammonium nitrate exploded at the Port of Beirut. This caused at least 218 deaths, 7,000 injuries, and massive property damage. About 300,000 people lost their homes. The substance had been stored unsafely for six years after being taken from an abandoned ship.

Aoun said the government would provide aid for recovery. On 10 August 2020, Hassan Diab's government resigned. Aoun accepted the resignation and asked them to continue as a temporary government.

End of Presidency

Aoun signed the government's resignation decree one day before his six-year term ended. Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government remained in office temporarily because no new cabinet could be formed. Aoun's term officially ended on 31 October 2022, without a new president chosen.

In June 2023, former president Michel Aoun visited Damascus, Syria. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he would not interfere in choosing Lebanon's next president.

Political Approach

In 2006, Aoun signed an agreement with Hezbollah. His current goal is to fight corruption.

Since Syrian forces left Lebanon, General Aoun has worked to improve Lebanon's relationship with Syria. He sees all Lebanese political groups as potential partners for change and reform. His agreement with Hezbollah is part of this approach.

In 2015, Aoun supported his son-in-law, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, to become the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement. Bassil was elected after another candidate, Aoun's nephew, withdrew from the race.

Political Views and Relations

Iran and Hezbollah

Aoun's political group has a strong alliance with Hezbollah. This alliance has been very important for his political career. He has defended Hezbollah's right to have weapons, saying they are needed to fight against Israeli occupation. Hezbollah has also used this alliance to gain support from Christians and expand its influence.

United States

Michel Aoun with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, 2005

Syria

During the Lebanese Civil War, Aoun fought a "war of liberation" against Syrian forces in Lebanon. After returning to Lebanon in 2005, Aoun began to support better relations with Syria. He said, "This is an old story that is now over. We must have better relations with Syria."

Aoun visited Syria in 2008 and predicted a "bright future" for ties between the two countries. As president, he took a friendlier stance towards Syria. He sent ministers to Damascus to help Syrian refugees return home.

In 2015, Aoun stated that no Lebanese prisoners remained in Syria. However, after the fall of the Assad regime, thousands of prisoners were freed, including Lebanese citizens who had been held since the civil war and suffered torture. Aoun was criticized for this.

Personal Life

Aoun at his wedding to Nadia El-Chami

Michel Aoun is the son of Naim and Marie Aoun. He married Nadia El-Chami on 30 November 1968. They have three daughters.

His first daughter, Mireille Aoun, is his personal advisor. She is married to Roy Hachem, the CEO of Aoun's OTV television channel.

His second daughter is Claudine Aoun. She has been the president of the Arab Women Organization since 2019. She is married to Brigadier-General Chamel Roukoz, a decorated officer and Member of Parliament.

His third daughter, Chantal, is married to Gebran Bassil. He has served as a minister and succeeded Aoun as president of the Free Patriotic Movement in 2015.

His nephew, Alain Aoun, is also a Member of Parliament.

Michel Aoun is not related to Joseph Aoun, who was Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces during his presidency and later became President of Lebanon in 2025.

Honors and Awards

National Awards

Ribbon	Description	Notes	Ref.
	Medal of 31 December 1961	Received on December 30, 1963.
	War Medal	Received 4 times
	Knight of the National Order of the Cedar
	Officer of the National Order of the Cedar
	Grand Cordon of the National Order of the Cedar
	Lebanese Order of Merit - Second Class
	Lebanese Order of Merit - First Class
	Medal of Battle Wounds