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Lebanon faces potential vacancy in army leadership, as Commander-General Aoun’s retirement approaches

Lebanon faces potential vacancy in army leadership, as Commander-General Aoun’s retirement approaches
27 Nov 2023 09:50

Ahmed Murad (Beirut, Cairo)

There are growing concerns in Lebanon over a potential leadership vacuum in the army as General Joseph Aoun nears retirement age (60 years) on January 10.


There is a debate over extending his tenure, with opinions divided between supporters and opponents.


In Lebanese law, the Army Commander is appointed by a decree from the Council of Ministers, signed by the President of the Republic. It requires a fully empowered government, which contradicts the limited powers of the current caretaker government under Prime Minister Najib Mikati.


This government cannot propose new laws, sign treaties, or make binding decisions for the succeeding government. Lebanese political analyst Asaad Bishara stressed that Lebanon cannot tolerate a vacuum in the army’s leadership, given the complicated situation in the region and the worsening internal crises on political, economic, and social levels.


He told Aletihad that the mentioned vacancy poses the greatest risk to Lebanon, especially with the ongoing presidential vacuum since the term of former President Michel Aoun ended on October 31, 2022, and the Parliament’s failure to elect a new president.


Parliament held twelve sessions in the past, all of which were unsuccessful in electing the new president. The analyst explained the current division among Lebanese political forces.


One group opposes extending the army commander’s term and seeks to remove him from both the army’s leadership and the list of potential presidential candidates. This group wants to appoint a new army commander through the current caretaker government, a move opposed by most other political forces.


They argue that this would undermine the future president’s remaining authority. As the analyst explained, appointing a new army commander before electing a new president would obligate the president to a commander they did not choose, weakening the presidential position.


Lebanese researcher and writer Maysaa Abdul-Khaleq warned about the dangers of a vacancy in the army leadership, which would negatively impact all aspects of life in Lebanon. With the presidential vacuum entering its second year and no solution in sight, it is imperative to avoid a vacancy in such a vital position as the army’s leadership, the writer said.


Abdul-Khaleq told Aletihad that extending the current army commander’s term is unavoidable, especially given his popular and official acceptance due to the significant role he played in maintaining security and stability in the country, along with his good relations with many Arab and Western countries.


Ten Lebanese parliament members (MP) have proposed an exceptional law allowing the extension of the retirement age for military personnel holding the rank of General or Brigadier General, who are still in service at the time of the law’s issuance.


The proposal suggests a one-year extension from the retirement date and includes all security forces, not just the army commander.


The Strong Republic bloc proposed a law specifically for the current army commander’s extension, while deputies from the Democratic Gathering Party suggested raising the retirement age for all military and security personnel, regardless of rank.


Some sources mentioned that the Lebanese Council of Ministers’ General Secretariat is preparing a legal study for Prime Minister Najib Mikati, discussing the issuance of a decree that would extend the current army commander, General Joseph Aoun’s tenure.

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