Sudan Accuses UAE of Genocide Convention Breach at UN Court

Sudan has filed a case at the International Court of Justice alleging UAE’s violation of the genocide convention by supporting the Rapid Support Forces amidst a conflict that has resulted in over 24,000 deaths and millions displaced. The UAE is accused of providing substantial military and financial support to the RSF, amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.

The Republic of Sudan has submitted a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is violating the genocide convention by providing support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The ICJ announced this development on Thursday, highlighting that the complaint specifically references acts such as genocide, murder, property theft, rape, and human rights violations against the Masalit ethnic group.

Sudan claims that the UAE has aided the genocide by offering considerable financial, political, and military assistance to the RSF militia. As part of the legal proceedings, Sudan seeks urgent interim measures from the court to compel the UAE to act against the violence and crimes targeting the Masalit people.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, escalating tensions between military factions and paramilitary groups, leading to more than 24,000 fatalities and displacing over 14 million individuals. Additionally, approximately 3.2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, as reported by the United Nations. This legal case follows the RSF and its allies signing a charter for a parallel government in response to setbacks against the mainland army.

Further complicating the situation, the Conflict Observatory, funded by the U.S. State Department, has tracked aircraft suspected of transporting arms from the UAE to the RSF, despite UAE’s assertions that these flights were intended for humanitarian purposes. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa and several UAE companies involved with the RSF, citing genocide accusations.

The UAE, a key U.S. ally made up of seven emirates, has faced ongoing allegations of supporting the RSF, which it categorically denies. The historical context of violence in Sudan is substantial, with previous genocidal acts occurring in the Darfur region that resulted in at least 300,000 deaths. Although the proceedings at the ICJ are expected to be protracted, the rulings issued will be legally binding.

In summary, Sudan has lodged a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging complicity in genocide through support of the RSF. This legal challenge arises amid severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by ongoing violence that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. The implications of this case may hold significant ramifications for international relations and humanitarian law in the region, especially considering the UAE’s denials and the historical context of atrocities in Sudan.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk