Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel on Monday marked the anniversary of the 1975 outbreak of the Lebanese civil war with a stark warning against repeating past mistakes, urging the State to reassert its authority and safeguard national sovereignty.

In a post on X, Gemayel said that on that date 51 years ago, the Lebanese State “abandoned its role” and allowed foreign militias to violate the country’s sovereignty, forcing the Kataeb Party to confront what he described as a plan to seize control of Lebanon.

“The Kataeb found itself compelled to stand alone,” he said, recalling the outbreak of the civil war on April 13, 1975. “That day, the first Kataeb martyr fell, defending the Lebanese people’s right to a homeland that belongs to them alone.”

Commemorating what the party observes as Kataeb Martyrs’ Day, Gemayel stressed that the anniversary should serve as a turning point, not a moment of repetition.

“After 51 years, it is unacceptable for history to repeat itself or for us to relive the mistakes of the past,” he said.

He called on the Lebanese state to demonstrate unity and decisiveness, particularly “in light of the bold decisions being taken,” and to prove its ability to assert control across the country.

“The State must show it is present and cohesive,” he said. “It must confirm its ability to impose its authority, reclaim its decision-making power, and free Lebanon from any external force seeking to control its destiny.”

Gemayel concluded by emphasizing that Lebanon’s future depends on both individual freedoms and strong state institutions.

“Lebanon can only stand through the freedom of its people and the sovereignty of its State,” he said.