Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the ICJ for alleged support to the RSF in committing genocide against the Masalit tribe. The UAE plans to dismiss the case, claiming it lacks foundation. As violence escalates in the ongoing civil conflict, the ICJ will consider Sudan’s requests for emergency measures, facing pressure from international observers.
Sudan has formally initiated legal action against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention due to the UAE’s purported support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The court announced this case on Thursday, highlighting the serious nature of Sudan’s claims, which include accusations of genocide related to RSF attacks against the Masalit tribe in West Darfur in 2023.
In response, an Emirati official stated that the UAE intends to seek immediate dismissal of the case, asserting that it lacks any legal or factual foundation. Sudan’s allegations are set within the context of the ongoing civil conflict in the region, during which the RSF has faced consistent accusations of committing atrocities against non-Arab groups.
The Sudanese foreign ministry has not publicly commented on the filing. However, Sudan’s application to the ICJ details a range of alleged crimes, including murder, theft, rape, forcible displacement, and severe human rights violations, all purportedly enabled by UAE support for the RSF. The international community, including UN experts and U.S. lawmakers, has found Sudan’s claims credible despite the UAE’s denials.
The current conflict in Sudan erupted following a power struggle in April 2023, leading to widespread violence and ethnic targeting, particularly against the Masalit people. The ICJ, which serves as the highest tribunal for international disputes, will consider Sudan’s request for emergency measures to prevent further genocidal acts while the case proceeds. Final rulings by the ICJ often take years, with the immediate hearing concerning emergency actions expected soon, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Amidst this turmoil, the RSF and its supporters are reportedly establishing a parallel governance structure, countering the army-aligned administration, which has raised concerns among neighboring countries.
Sudan’s legal action against the UAE at the ICJ underscores the serious accusations of genocide and human rights violations resulting from the ongoing conflict involving the RSF. While the UAE seeks dismissal of the case, the allegations have drawn significant international scrutiny. The ICJ’s forthcoming decisions will be critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan and determining accountability for the implicated parties.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
