Mahmoud Jibril
Chairman, National Transitional Council; rebel political leader
"We started this revolution for the sake of freedom and dignity. We will not let it be stolen."
Biography
Mahmoud Jibril was born in the Zawia region of Libya in 1952 and built an academic and technocratic career, earning a PhD in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and heading Gaddafi's National Economic Development Board. When the revolution broke out in February 2011, Jibril defected and quickly became the public face of the rebel National Transitional Council — the diplomat who toured Western capitals to win recognition, funding, and eventually NATO military support. His Western education, moderate ideology, and technocratic credibility made him the NTC's most effective ambassador in Paris, London, and Washington.
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Key Battles
Benghazi Uprising
GNA / UN-Recognized Government victoryFebruary 17, 2011 · 500 total casualties
Fall of Tripoli
GNA / UN-Recognized Government victoryAugust 20–28, 2011 · 2,500 total casualties
Life Journey
Timeline
1952
🌅 Birth
Born in Zawia, northwestern Libya
1985
📚 Education
Earns PhD from University of Pittsburgh
2007
📍 Posting
Heads Gaddafi's National Economic Development Board
March 2011
📍 Posting
Lobbies Sarkozy and Western leaders for NATO intervention
November 2011
🕊️ Postwar
Resigns as interim PM after Gaddafi's death as promised