Johnny Abdo
Johnny Abdo | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1940 Lebanon |
| Occupation(s) | Military intelligence chief, diplomat |
| Years active | 1970s–1995 |
| Known for | Head of Lebanese intelligence service (Second Bureau), Lebanese ambassador to Switzerland and France |
Johnny Abdo (Arabic: جوني عبده, born 1940) is a former Lebanese military intelligence chief and diplomat. He remains a contentious personality due to his extensive involvement and insight into the Lebanese Civil War. Presently, Abdo resides in Paris.
Biography
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, under President Elias Sarkis, Abdo headed Lebanon's intelligence service, the Second Bureau (المكتب الثاني).
His influence grew throughout the 1970s as a significant figure in the Lebanese Civil War, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the election of Bashir Gemayel, leader of the Lebanese Forces, despite previously having disagreements with him.
After the assassination of Bashir Gemayel, his brother Amin Gemayel assumed the presidency and appointed Johnny Abdo as ambassador to Switzerland in 1983. Subsequently, he served as Lebanon’s ambassador to France during the early 1990s until 1995. Abdo has since maintained his residence in Paris.