The local government of Niger's Zinder State has sent a bill to the Libyan embassy for expenses incurred during a 24-hour visit by Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

According to the Governor of Zinder Colonel Gaddafi and his entourage of about 1,500 people ran up bills for food and fuel of more than $62,000 during a stopover on a journey to Togo in July.

Residents of the state hold the Libyan leader in high esteem and the expenses claim is viewed as scandalous because of the tradition, common throughout Africa, that guests do not pay for their food.

Colonel Gaddafi was travelling to a summit meeting of the Organisation of African Unity, OAU, in the Togolese capital Lome - a 5,000km journey from Tripoli he chose to undertake by road and desert track.

Development plans

His enormous entourage included members of the military, medical staff and businessmen who came to discuss closer economic ties with the Niger authorities, as well as dancing girls.

During his stay in Niger he discussed development aid for the country and pledged money for a number of specific projects.

Colonel Gaddafi's efforts to extend his patronage in Niger have been successful - he is widely regarded there as the most popular head of state in the world.

The presentation of a bill to the Libyan embassy is widely seen as a disreputable attempt to make easy money.