Amnesty International has welcomed news reports that the African Union plans to send a mission to Libya, and called for the mission to include a specific investigation into reports that armed elements are being transported from African countries to Libya.
Reports said that following an emergency meeting on 23 February, the AU Peace and Security Council condemned the violence in Libya and excessive use of force against protesters.
Amnesty International renewed its call on the African Union to take steps to secure the land borders into Libya and monitor suspicious flights to Libya.
Earlier on 23 February, Amnesty International had criticized the African Union for its failure to address the human rights crisis in Libya.
Spiralling violence in Libya has seen hundreds killed and there are persistent reports of mercenaries being brought in from African countries to violently suppress the anti-government protests.