Hussein el-Husseini
Sayyid Hussein el-Husseini (Arabic: حسين الحسيني; 15 April 1937 – 11 January 2023)[1] was a Lebanese statesman who served as speaker of the Lebanese parliament, and whose efforts in brokering and fathering the Taif Agreement led to the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990.
Hussein el-Husseini
Zahlé, French Lebanon
(present-day Lebanon)
11 January 2023
Beirut, Lebanon
Amal Movement (until 1980)
El-Husseini, recognized as the co-founder of both the Movement of the Deprived and its military wing, the Lebanese Resistance Regiments (collectively later known as the Amal Movement), is esteemed as one of the founding figures of the Lebanese resistance.[2][3]
Initially leading the political wing of Amal, he later succeeded Musa al-Sadr as the overall leader of the movement. However, he resigned from his leadership position in 1980, driven by his opposition to the Amal Movement's escalating involvement in the civil war.[4]
He was widely respected for his integrity and was considered to be a wise and fair leader who always prioritized the higher interests of his country.[5] His contributions to Lebanese politics and the upholding of the rule of law were widely recognized, and he was eulogized as "Lebanon's last hero" following his death.[6]
Death[edit]
On 11 January 2023, el-Husseini died.[7] He was buried in his hometown of Shmustar in a state funeral, with thousands of mourners, including much of the political class and cabinet, in attendance. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati declared a three-day national mourning period.
El-Husseini was eulogized and mourned by politicians from across the political spectrum.[13] According to the Washington Post, “his stature in Lebanon was reflected by the warm tributes from factions he once denounced”.[14]