Sudan Initiates ICJ Case Against UAE Over Alleged Genocide Support

Sudan has initiated legal action against the UAE at the ICJ, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by arming the RSF. The UAE plans to dismiss the case, claiming it lacks basis. The conflict has led to documented genocidal acts in Darfur, as Sudan seeks immediate intervention from the court. The resolution of this case could take years.

Sudan has lodged a case against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for purported violations of the Genocide Convention, alleging that the UAE armed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has stated its intention to dismiss the case, asserting that it lacks any legal or factual foundation. An official from the emirate expressed these views to Reuters.

The accusations are linked to violent ethnic attacks carried out by the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur in 2023. Such attacks have been classified as genocide by the United States as of January this year. However, the Sudanese foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comment on the issue.

Sudanese authorities have consistently accused the UAE of provision support to the RSF, who are rivals to the Sudanese government amidst an ongoing civil conflict. These allegations have gained credibility among UN experts and U.S. lawmakers, despite UAE’s denials. Sudan asserts that the RSF committed various atrocities, including murder and forced displacement, facilitated by the UAE’s support, according to a statement from the ICJ.

An official from the UAE remarked that the application to the ICJ represents a “cynical publicity stunt,” aimed at distracting from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) involvement in widespread atrocities impacting the nation. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has exacerbated humanitarian crises, spreading famine and disease, and threatening national fragmentation.

The ICJ, as the United Nations’ premier court for state disputes and international treaty violations, is being asked by Sudan to impose immediate measures to prevent further genocidal acts. Although a hearing regarding emergency measures is anticipated within weeks, a conclusive ruling on whether genocide has occurred in Darfur may take years to reach.

In parallel developments, the RSF and their political affiliations are attempting to establish alternative governance in regions such as Port Sudan, against the interests of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This complex situation continues to evolve amid escalating ethnic violence and political instability in the region.

In conclusion, Sudan’s case against the UAE at the ICJ highlights serious allegations of support for the RSF amidst a backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence and humanitarian crises. While the UAE seeks to have the case dismissed, Sudan aims to address severe violations of the Genocide Convention. The stabilization of the region remains uncertain as both domestic conflict and international interests interplay intricately.

Original Source: www.dawn.com