The negative experience in Libya has taken on new urgency as the Obama administration considers whether to play a direct role in arming rebels in Syria.

The discovery, which analysts think could be worth $15 billion to ENI, will help consolidate the Italian company’s position as one of the leaders in the hot new East Africa region.

The former aide, Jamal Ahmed al-Fadl, pleaded guilty in 1997, was placed under witness protection and was to be sentenced after his cooperation in the investigation of Al Qaeda.