Rights groups criticize Bashir’s visit to Libya

President Omar Al Bashir’s visit to Libya on Saturday was met with a storm of criticism from human rights groups stating Al Bashir is the Gaddafi of Sudan, an autocrat that oppresses his people. The head of a group of 50 Libyan civil society organizations said Al Bashir’s principles are in conflict with those of Libya. Richard Dicker, International Justice Director at Human Rights Watch said Al Bashir’s visit raises questions about the National Transitional Council’s committment to human rights and the rule of law after decades of brutal rule in Libya. He said it is disturbing to host Al Bashir as he remains on the run from an arrest warrant for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur. During his visit Al Bashir reportedly offered to help Libya with the integration of dozens of militias to the Libyan armed forces. He also offered for Sudanese forces to help protect the southern border during the war which ended the rule of Gaddaffi, but this offer was rejected.