Gaddafi Dead: Son Flees to Niger
Muammar Gaddafi's second son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, is making his way towards Niger Tuesday to seek refuge from rebel fighters.
Saif Gaddafi used a forged passport to escape the country, according to a Reuters report. Some Gaddafi loyalists have already taken refuge in Niger.
Rissa ag Boula, a government official and adviser to the president, said that ethnic Tuaregs have guided Saif Gaddafi across the desert and that Niger would allow him to enter the country.
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Boula told the Associated Press: "If he comes here, the government will accept him, but the government will also need to respect its international obligations. It's up to him to decide (whether to stay on the run or come to Niger)."
Saif Gaddafi is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
An NTC official told Reuters that it would be tough to locate him.
"The region is very, very difficult to monitor and encircle. It needs warplanes. Even NATO cannot monitor this area," he said.
"The region is a desert region and it has many exits. It is also a smuggling route,” he added. “It has many, many exit routes."
Tuaregs were part of the Gaddafi loyalists who fought to help him maintain power.
Niger is home to a large Tuareg population and was one of the last countries to acknowledge the National Transitional Council (NTC) as Libya's main government.
Muammar Gaddafi was popular in Niger as he built numerous mosques and hotels in the country.
Niger's government has acknowledged that some Gaddafi supporters are wanted by the International Criminal Court and that they would be turned over.
Saadi Gaddafi, the dictator's third son, fled to Niger in September and is not wanted by the world court. However, he is the subject of a United Nations sanction.
Saif Gaddafi was fluent in English and attended the London School of Economics. He is the only one of Muammar Gaddafi's sons not accounted for.
