How did the Lebanese Civil War end in 1990?

The Lebanese Civil War concluded in 1990 following a multi-stage process of political reform and military consolidation.

The foundation for peace was the Taif Agreement, a constitutional reform package accepted by the Lebanese parliament in October 1989. This accord restored a modified consociational government, balancing power between Christian and Muslim officials and reducing the authority of the Maronite presidency.12

While the parliament ratified the accord and elected new leadership, Gen. Michel Aoun rejected these developments, leading to continued internal conflict, including intense fighting in early 1990. The war finally ended on October 13, 1990, when Syrian forces launched a decisive attack against Aoun, forcing him into exile.12

Following this, the government of President Elias Hrawi began consolidating power, demobilizing wartime militias, and rebuilding the Lebanese Army under Gen. Émile Lahoud. These actions established the framework for Lebanon’s Second Republic, bringing a close to more than 15 years of conflict that had resulted in over 100,000 deaths and widespread destruction.12