Sudan has filed a genocide case at the ICJ against the UAE for allegedly supporting the RSF with arms. The UAE intends to dismiss the case, claiming it is baseless. The allegations relate to genocidal violence against non-Arab communities in Darfur, which has been documented by the U.S. and recognized internationally. Sudan seeks interim measures while the ICJ deliberates further.
Sudan has initiated a case against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging a violation of the Genocide Convention through the provision of arms to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has stated its intent to seek a dismissal of the case, citing a lack of legal basis, according to an official statement provided to Reuters.
The allegations stem from ethnic-based assaults by the RSF and affiliated Arab militias on the non-Arab Masalit community in West Darfur during 2023, which have been documented and classified as genocide by the United States. The Sudanese government has frequently accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, claims that the UAE denies, although UN experts and U.S. lawmakers have found them credible.
The ICJ filing claims that the RSF has engaged in acts of “genocide, murder, theft of property, rape, forcible displacement, trespassing, vandalism of public properties and violation of human rights.” Sudan insists these actions were enabled by direct support from the UAE to the RSF and related groups, as detailed in a statement from the World Court.
An Emirati official responded, characterizing the Sudanese application as a “cynical publicity stunt,” detracting from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ alleged complicity in ongoing atrocities within Sudan. The civil war ignited by a power struggle between the army and RSF in April 2023 has led to widespread devastation, hunger, and disease in the country.
Witnesses attest to severe ethnic violence in West Darfur, with verbal reports illustrating targeted killings of Masalit boys and focused assaults on young women. The ICJ, as the UN’s highest court for state disputes and international treaty violations, is now tasked with addressing this complex situation. Both Sudan and the UAE are signatories of the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Sudan is urging the court to implement emergency measures to prevent further genocidal acts, expecting an initial hearing soon. Nevertheless, it may take years for the ICJ to reach a final ruling on whether genocide has occurred in the Darfur region. Simultaneously, the RSF and political allies are attempting to establish an alternate governance structure, a move that has encountered opposition from regional powers such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
In summary, Sudan’s case against the UAE at the ICJ arises from serious allegations related to support for genocidal acts through the arming of the RSF. The UAE denies these charges and aims to dismiss the case as baseless. As the situation unfolds, the ICJ will address emergency measures, although a final resolution will likely require extensive deliberation. This case highlights ongoing tensions in Sudan, significantly affecting the humanitarian situation and regional stability.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
