President Joseph Aoun visited Tripoli on 24 October 2026, marking the first presidential trip to the city in 15 years. This visit, which took place on October 24, 2026, was designed to emphasize the central government's commitment to the northern city. Addressing local officials, President Joseph Aoun stated, "My visit aims to tell the people of Tripoli that the State is present and always stands by their side." He emphasized the necessity of national unity, asserting, "Lebanon does not rise with one team or one sect, but rises when its sons meet on the state project." Regarding the role of the government, President Joseph Aoun declared, "A strong and united State rests on the monopoly of weapons in the hands of its single army." He further warned, "division does not protect anyone and weakening the State does not strengthen any component."
Touring Key City Infrastructure
President Joseph Aoun inspected several key facilities during his tour of Tripoli on 24 October 2026. His itinerary included stops at the Palace of Justice, the Tripoli Port, the special economic zone, and the Rachid Karami International Fair. These visits served to evaluate the current operational status of the city’s major administrative and industrial infrastructure. Aoun visited the Palace of Justice, Tripoli Port, the special economic zone, and the Rachid Karami International Fair to gain a full overview of the city's operational capacity.
Speaking at the Palace of Justice, President Joseph Aoun addressed the functioning of the legal system. He stated that justice and security are intertwined. He further noted that delayed justice is not justice, emphasizing the requirement for an efficient and timely judicial process to maintain public order. Aoun stated that justice and security are intertwined and that delayed justice is not justice, noting these principles as essential pillars for the restoration of trust in state institutions.
President Joseph Aoun also discussed the broader requirements for national stability during his meetings with local stakeholders. He asserted that a strong and united state rests on the monopoly of weapons in the hands of its single army. Aoun asserted that a strong and united state rests on the monopoly of weapons in the hands of its single army. This position maintains that the concentration of military authority within the formal state apparatus remains the primary mechanism for ensuring the protection of all citizens and the consistent application of the law. By focusing on these specific infrastructure sites and legal centers, the President sought to demonstrate the state's active role in the daily lives of the citizens of Tripoli. The tour concluded with a series of discussions aimed at reinforcing the connection between the central authority and the local administration, ensuring that the state project remains a focal point for future development and stability in the region.
