Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the ICJ, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by supporting the RSF in ethnic attacks against the Masalit tribe. The UAE denies the accusations and seeks dismissal of the case. The ICJ will evaluate Sudan’s charges, which could take years for a final decision.
Sudan has initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention by allegedly supplying arms to the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF). An official from the United Arab Emirates firmly stated that they would pursue immediate dismissal of the case, asserting that it lacks any legal or factual merit.
The case stems from severe ethnic-based assaults by the RSF and associated Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur, which were classified as genocide by the United States in January 2023. The Sudanese foreign ministry has not yet commented on the matter, although reports indicate that the charges against the UAE include genocide, murder, and various human rights violations.
According to the ICJ statement, Sudan claims that these atrocities were “perpetrated and enabled by the direct support given to the rebel RSF militia and related militia groups by the United Arab Emirates.” In response, the UAE described Sudan’s lawsuit as an opportunistic move intended to deflect from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) involvement in ongoing atrocities within Sudan.
Despite the accusations, the UAE has expressed its commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and has consistently advocated for a ceasefire. The conflict between Sudanese military forces and the RSF, which emerged from a power struggle in April 2023, has led to widespread suffering, including hunger and disease, jeopardizing national stability and attracting international scrutiny.
The ICJ, tasked with resolving disputes between states, is expected to hold a hearing on Sudan’s request for emergency measures soon. However, a conclusive ruling regarding potential genocide in Darfur is anticipated to take years. Both Sudan and the UAE are signatories to the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Sudan’s legal action against the United Arab Emirates at the ICJ reflects serious allegations of genocide and human rights violations linked to the Sudanese conflict. The UAE’s response casts doubts on the case’s validity while reiterating its humanitarian commitments. As the proceedings unfold, they may significantly impact the broader regional dynamics and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
