- Join the France 24 community here
- Log in
Latest update: 12/09/2011
- Libya - Niger
Gaddafi son intercepted crossing Niger desert
Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saadi (pictured) was intercepted by soldiers in Niger Sunday after crossing Libya’s southern border, the justice minister said, adding that he would be treated in accordance with Niger's "humanitarian obligations".
By News Wires (text)
REUTERS - Muammar Gaddafi's son Saadi entered the territory of Libya's southern neighbour Niger on Sunday, Niger's justice minister said.
"He was in a convoy of nine people. They were intercepted heading in the direction of Agadez," Marou Adamou told a news conference, referring to the northern town through which at least two previous convoys of Gaddafi loyalists have entered in the past week.
Adamou said the convoy with Saadi was intercepted by Nigerien soldiers who had been patrolling the Sahara.
"We were not informed of their arrival," said Adamou. He said he expected them to be transferred to the capital Niamey on Monday or Tuesday.
Asked what Saadi's status in the country was, Amadou said only that Niger would fulfill its humanitarian obligations.
The International Criminal Court in the Hague has issued a warrant for Muammar Gaddafi and his son Saif al-Islam, but not for Saadi who is chiefly known abroad for his obsession with soccer.
Saadi had attempted to negotiate an end to fighting with Libya's ruling National Transitional Council in late August, after its fighters swept through Tripoli, though it is unclear whether his father's surrender was ever on the table.
His brother Saif al-Islam publicly contradicted his efforts at the time, vowing a "war of attrition".
Saadi's convoy is the third containing important members of Gaddafi's entourage to arrive in Niger in the past seven days. Others include Gaddafi's security chief and at least two top generals, all of whom are now in the capital.
Saadi had a brief career with several Italian soccer clubs and captained the Libyan national team, whose coach was once fired for not selecting him.
Related Content
Breaking news from AFRICA, Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa



























Comments (2)
Interesting
Its interesting how things hve turned out in Libya. is this revolution going to extent to all parts of Africa. Ilike Saadi Gaddafi.
NATO or Rebels'War
NATO missiles' air strike show us that there's no ability of Rebel Fighters in Libya to fight Loyalist Gaddafy soldiers and invest majority man's hate & desire for revenge of pro Gaddafy people at the same time considering other people as Libyan treitors !
Post new comment