Sudan files AU complaint against Chad over arms: minister

Sudan's army-backed government on Tuesday accused neighbouring Chad of supplying arms to rebel militias, likely referring to the paramilitary forces it is battling.

The northeast African country has been engulfed by war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the regular army, led by de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Justice minister Muawiya Osman said Burhan's administration had lodged the complaint against Chad at the African Union.

Speaking to reporters, including AFP, Osman said the government demanded compensation and accused Chad of "supplying arms to rebel militias" and causing "harm to Sudanese citizens".

"We will present evidence to the relevant authorities," he added from Port Sudan, where Burhan relocated after fighting spread to the capital, Khartoum.

Chad last month denied accusations that it was "amplifying the war in Sudan" by arming the RSF.

"We do not support any of the factions that are fighting on Sudanese territory -- we are in favour of peace," foreign minister and government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah said at the time.

The United Nations has been using the Adre border crossing between the two countries to deliver humanitarian aid.

Sudan had initially agreed to keep the crossing open for three months, a period set to expire on November 15. Authorities in Khartoum have yet to decide whether to extend the arrangement.

Sisi assures Sudan army chief of 'continued support'

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged his "continued support" to the military in Sudan during a meeting the country's army chief, his office said in a statement.

Sisi called for "a ceasefire and sparing the blood of Sudanese brothers" during talks with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan late on Monday, according to the statement from Egypt's presidency.

Burhan and Sisi have long been seen as allies and the RSF last month accused Egyptian forces of carrying out air strikes against them - claims denied by Cairo.

During their meeting, Sisi "reiterated Egypt's continued support for Sudan on all levels to help the country emerge from its crisis", according to the Egyptian presidency.

Burhan praised Egypt's "sincere support for de-escalation efforts in Sudan" and its dedication to "preserving Sudan's unity, safety and stability".

The Sudanese war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 11 million, including 3.1 million who are now sheltering beyond the country's borders.