Golden hour?

Who is Farhat Bengdara, the new chief of Libya’s black gold?

By Maher Hajbi

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on August 19, 2022 09:06

 Farhat Bengdara, newly appointed chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), in Tripoli, July 14, 2022. ©REUTERS/Hazem Ahmed
Farhat Bengdara, newly appointed chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), in Tripoli, July 14, 2022. ©REUTERS/Hazem Ahmed

After having ensured the revival of oil production, the former banker, at the helm of Libya’s National Oil Corporation since 14 July, wants to double the pace. His objective? To go from 1.2 million to 3 million barrels per day.

Originally from Benghazi, the stronghold of Marshal Haftar, Farhat Bengadra is reputed to be close to Gaddafi’s former military cadre but also to the United Arab Emirates, where he was director of Al Masraf Bank.

His appointment is said to be the result of a secret agreement between Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dabaiba and Khalifa Haftar, who wants to preserve the eastern Libyan camp’s share of the oil windfall. Here’s what you need to know about the National Oil Corporation (NOC)’s new boss.

Central bank

Under the former regime, Farhat Bengadra was one of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL)’s strongmen. During 11 years of loyal service, he managed to climb the hierarchy. CBL deputy governor from 2000 to 2006, he was then enthroned by Seif al-Islam Gaddafi at the head of the financial institution (2006-2011).

Istanbul

A few weeks after the revolt against Gaddafi, Bengdara decided to

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime