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

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.