Reply #30: Niger's north, desert bolt-hole for Libya's losers

[pinboy3niner]

Wed Sep 7, 2011 2:14pm GMT

• Once a hub of desert tourism, insecurity reigns

• Returnees from Libya add strain to local economy


By Abdoulaye Massalaatchi


AGADEZ, Niger Sept 7 (Reuters) - Already awash with bandits, ex-rebel nomads and a growing number of al Qaeda-linked gunmen, Niger's desert north is now the main escape route south from the war in Libya -- and could yet emerge as Muammar Gaddafi's bolt-hole.

French and Nigerien military sources signalled on Monday the presence of a large convoy of vehicles carrying pro-Gaddafi forces through the region, sparking speculation that Gaddafi himself could join them as part of an exile bid.

If he does, he will pass through a desert world teeming with paradoxes, as chronic insecurity contrasts with the legendary hospitality of indigo-turbaned Tuareg nomads while a tenacious cross-Saharan smuggling trade pulls a lucky few out of poverty.

Gaddafi is no stranger to the vast region, itself the size of France, having used his oil wealth to fund both ambitious development projects and dabble in politics by, at times, both backing and seeking to mediate an end to various rebellions.

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http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E7K728320110907?sp=true