Shukri Ghanem Libyan politician Date of Birth: 09.10.1942 Country: Libya

1. Shukri Ghanem: Libyan Politician and Former Prime Minister
2. Early Life and Education
3. Career in Government and OPEC
4. Prime Minister of Libya
5. Return to Oil Ministry
6. Libyan Civil War and Flight
7. Sanctions and Death

Shukri Ghanem: Libyan Politician and Former Prime Minister

Shukri Ghanem was a prominent Libyan politician who served as the Secretary-General of Libya's General People's Committee, effectively the country's Prime Minister, from 2003 to 2006.

Early Life and Education

Ghanem was born on October 9, 1942. He earned a doctorate in international economics, law, and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States.

Career in Government and OPEC

Prior to his premiership, Ghanem held various positions in Libya's government, including Deputy Minister and Minister of Foreign Economy, Director of Marketing at the National Oil Corporation, and Director of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Petroleum. He also served as a director in the research division of OPEC.

Prime Minister of Libya

In June 2003, Ghanem was appointed Prime Minister by Muammar al-Gaddafi. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in Libya's re-entry into the international community and the lifting of international sanctions. He oversaw the payment of $2.16 billion in compensation to victims of the 1988 Pan Am bombing and the country's renunciation of weapons of mass destruction.

Return to Oil Ministry

After stepping down as Prime Minister in 2006, Ghanem was appointed head of the National Oil Corporation. He resigned from this position in 2009 due to disagreements within the Libyan government over the development of the country's oil sector.

Libyan Civil War and Flight

During the 2011 Libyan Civil War, Ghanem reportedly attempted to flee the country but was captured by government forces. On May 16, 2011, he fled to Tunisia, where his departure was later confirmed by Tunisian security services.

Sanctions and Death

On April 8, 2011, the United States Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Libya, including Ghanem. His whereabouts remained unknown until June 20, 2011, when his body was found floating in the Danube River in Vienna, Austria. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.