Sudan said Monday President Omar al-Bashir is flying home from South Africa, despite a court ordering him to stay as it decides whether to order his arrest over alleged war crimes and genocide.

"President Bashir's plane took off from Johannesburg and will arrive around 6:30 pm (1530 GMT) this evening," State Minister for Information Yasir Yousef told AFP by phone.

"Bashir will address the crowds that will gather to meet him," he added.