Emmanuel Macron, the French President, has announced plans for an international conference aimed at addressing the humanitarian and security challenges facing Lebanon. The announcement came following a gathering of Francophone nations in Paris on October 5, 2024.
The conference, scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, will focus on two primary objectives: mobilizing humanitarian assistance for Lebanon and enhancing security measures, particularly in the country's southern region. This initiative underscores France's ongoing commitment to its former mandate, with which it has maintained strong cultural and linguistic ties since Lebanon's independence in 1943.
Lebanon, a nation of approximately 6.8 million people as of 2024, has been grappling with multiple crises. The country has been without a president since October 2022, exacerbating its political instability. Additionally, Lebanon has been facing a severe economic downturn since 2019, which has significantly impacted its once-robust banking sector, previously likened to the "Switzerland of the Middle East."
The timing of this conference is particularly crucial given the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group founded in 1985. In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon, including airstrikes and ground incursions. This marks a significant expansion of the conflict, which had previously been largely confined to border skirmishes over the past year.
The Lebanese Armed Forces, established in 1945, are expected to play a key role in the security discussions at the upcoming conference. Strengthening these forces is seen as crucial for maintaining stability in the region, especially given Lebanon's complex confessional political system and the presence of 18 officially recognized religious sects.
France's initiative also aims to address the humanitarian needs of Lebanon, which hosts the largest number of refugees per capita globally. This situation has put additional strain on the country's resources and infrastructure.
The conference will likely draw attention to Lebanon's rich cultural heritage, including Byblos, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, and the iconic Cedar of Lebanon, the country's national symbol. These elements underscore the importance of preserving Lebanon's unique identity amidst ongoing challenges.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, with Israel's year-long conflict in Gaza against Hamas running parallel to the escalation with Hezbollah, the international community's focus on Lebanon becomes increasingly critical. The upcoming conference represents a significant diplomatic effort to address both immediate humanitarian concerns and long-term security issues in this strategically important Middle Eastern nation.
"We will hold in the next few weeks a conference to provide humanitarian aid, support the international community and support the Lebanese armed forces boost security, especially in southern Lebanon."
This initiative by France, a long-standing member of the International Organization of the Francophonie since 1973, reflects the enduring connections between the two nations and the broader Francophone world's commitment to stability in the region.