Welcome to Roya News, stay informed with the most important news at your fingertips.

Joseph Aoun (Credit: Reuters)

1
Image 1 from gallery
اقرأ بالعربية
اقرأ بالعربية

Who is Joseph Aoun? Front-runner for Lebanon's presidency

Published :  
09-01-2025 12:28|
Last Updated :  
09-01-2025 13:16|

The Lebanese opposition announced on Wednesday evening their consensus on electing Army Commander General Joseph Aoun as President, a move that could help resolve the presidential vacuum that has persisted for over two years.


Read more: Lebanese parliament holds session to elect new president


With the Shiite duo, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, withdrawing support for Suleiman Frangieh, Aoun emerged as a unifying candidate, gaining increasing agreement among opposition factions.

- Who is Joseph Aoun? -

  • Full Name: Joseph Khalil Aoun
  • Date of Birth: January 10, 1964
  • Place of Birth: Sin El-Fil in the Matn District of Lebanon
  • Origins: Hails from the southern town of Al-Aaishiyah, Southern Lebanon

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Political Science.
  • Bachelor's degree in Military Science.
  • Fluent in Arabic, French, and English.

Military career:

  • Joined the Lebanese Army in 1983 as a volunteer.
  • Completed several prominent training courses, including:
    • Officers' Course (1986)
    • Diving Course (1987)
    • Military Officer Course (1996)
    • Battalion Commander Course (2002)
    • Staff Course (2012)
    • Workshop on Intelligence and Counterterrorism (2013)

International training:

  • Completed two Infantry Courses in the US (1988, 1995)
  • Participated in an International Counterterrorism Program (2008-2009)
  • Paratrooper Course in Syria (1996)
  • Battalion Commander Course in Syria (2002-2003)

Military promotions:

Gradually advanced through the ranks:

  • Second Lieutenant (1985)
  • First Lieutenant (1988)
  • Captain (1993)
  • Major (1998)
  • Lieutenant Colonel (2003)
  • Colonel (2007)
  • Brigadier General (2013)
  • Appointed Army Commander on March 8, 2017

Current position:

Serves as the 14th commander of the Lebanese Army since 2017, succeeding General Jean Kahwaji.

Awards and honors:

  • War Medal (3-time recipient)
  • Medal of the Wounded (2-time recipient)
  • Medal of National Unity
  • Medal of the "Dawn of the South"
  • Order of Merit (various grades)
  • Knight of the National Order of the Cedar
  • Officer of the National Order of the Cedar

Read more: Heated exchange erupts in Lebanese Parliament


Political aspirations:

General Joseph Aoun is now viewed as a consensus candidate for the presidency of Lebanon, particularly following the end of former President Michel Aoun's term. His popularity both within the military and among the public positions him as a key figure during this critical period in Lebanon's history. With a distinguished military background and strong leadership qualities, he is seen as an ideal candidate to lead the nation forward.