Gaddafi's son fleeing to Niger: reports

GlobalPost

Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is heading toward Niger, where his brother and other Gaddafi loyalists have already gathered to seek refuge, reports the Associated Press.

According to Reuters, Saif al-Islam is planning on using a forged passport to flee the country. Saif al-Islam is the only Gaddafi son not yet accounted for. He is a fluent English speaker who studied at the London School of Economics, reports Reuters.

Conflicting reports about Saif al-Islam's fate have been circulating. According to Press TV, some news outlets stated that he was captured and wounded when Sirte was taken. Other reports claim that he lost his arm.

According to Rissa ag Boula, a government official and adviser to Niger's president, Saif al Islam Gaddafi is being escorted across the desert from Libya to Algeria to Niger by ethnic Tuaregs.

More: Gaddafi's son crosses into Niger

Tuaregs were among the Gaddafi loyalists who fought to keep him in power. Al Saadi, another of Gaddafi's sons, relied on the Tuaregs to reach Nigel in September. However, Saif al-Islam, unlike Al Saadi, is wanted by the International Criminal court for crimes against humanity, reports the Mirror.

Reports 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)," Boula said, referring to the fact that Seif al-Islam is wanted by the International Criminal Court.

Niger hosts a large Tuareg population and was one of the last countries to recognize the National Transitional Council as Libya's governing body. Gaddafi had built many mosques and hotels throughout the country, and he remains popular in Niger. However, Niger's government has said that Gaddafi supporters who are wanted by the International Criminal Court will be turned over to the world body.  

More: Gaddafi's sons play hide and seek

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