Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention related to support of the Rapid Support Forces in ethnic attacks against the Masalit tribe. The UAE disputes these claims, labeling them as devoid of merit. Sudan seeks immediate intervention to prevent further genocidal acts as conflicts escalate in the region.
Sudan has initiated proceedings against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention due to the UAE’s support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has expressed intentions to proactively dismiss these charges, claiming they lack any legal or factual grounding, as stated by an official.
The allegations concern violent ethnic attacks against the non-Arab Masalit tribe committed by the RSF and affiliated Arab militias in 2023 in West Darfur. These incidents, classified as genocide by the United States earlier this year, have raised significant concerns in the international community. The Sudanese government’s application for redress has been confirmed by sources involved.
Sudanese officials have consistently accused the UAE of backing the RSF, a claim the UAE disputes, despite credible findings from U.N. experts and U.S. legislators. The accusations extend to serious offenses including genocide, murder, and human rights abuses, as articulated by the ICJ. Sudan asserts these acts are facilitated by the UAE’s support of the RSF.
The UAE’s official response characterized Sudan’s lawsuit as a misguided attempt to divert blame from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which the UAE claims is complicit in ongoing atrocities in the region. Furthermore, the UAE emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian efforts and has advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted from a power struggle in April 2023, resulting in widespread devastation, hunger, and disease. The violence has particularly impacted West Darfur, where brutal attacks against the Masalit community have taken place. Survivors have reported targeted killings and assaults specifically directed at young boys and women.
The International Court of Justice, the United Nations’ premier judicial body for state disputes and treaty violations, is tasked with this case. Both Sudan and the UAE are parties to the 1948 Genocide Convention. Sudan is seeking immediate court intervention to halt alleged genocidal actions, although a final verdict may take years to achieve, determining whether genocide has occurred in Darfur.
Currently, the RSF is attempting to establish a rival governance structure to the army-backed administration, a transition that has not been well-received by nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
In summary, Sudan has lodged a formal complaint against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging its role in the genocide perpetrated by the RSF against the Masalit tribe. The UAE plans to contest these allegations vigorously while emphasizing its commitment to alleviating the humanitarian situation in Sudan. The unfolding legal battle underscores the ongoing tragedy in the region, as Sudan seeks urgent measures to prevent further atrocities amid a protracted civil conflict.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
