Sudan had no choice but to support the revolt against Gaddafi: al Bashir

Sudanese President Omar al Bashir has stated that his country had no choice but to be on the side of the Libyan people during the revolution against the Muammar Gaddafi regime in 2011.

Al Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, told Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj at a joint press conference in Khartoum that Sudan will continue to back the Libyan people, Sudan News Agency reports.

He made the statement during the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Prime Minister’s visit to the Sudan on Sunday.

Al Bashir said the visit of al-Sarraj represents a new chapter in the bilateral relations and cooperation of the two neighbouring countries.

He called on Libyans to be united and push for peace and security in their country.

Fayez al-Sarraj also said Libya’s relations with Sudan is intact and there will be no repeat of past mistakes.

They signed agreements to jointly secure their borders and boost bilateral relations.

Sudan played a key role during the Libyan crisis in 2011 through its collaboration with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the international community by offering military assistance to Libyan rebels.

The revolt lasted between February and October 2011, and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was killed on October 20, 2011.

Sudan has had strained relations with Libya since 1972 and Gaddafi had created fears for the Sudanese government by supporting the Darfur rebel movements and political opposition with weapons and funding.