Sudan Files Case Against UAE at World Court for Alleged Genocide Support

Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the World Court, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by supporting the Rapid Support Forces, implicated in ethnic violence. The UAE seeks dismissal, calling the case baseless. Sudan’s accusations include genocide and human rights violations linked to the RSF’s attacks against the Masalit tribe. The ICJ is expected to hear Sudan’s request for emergency measures soon, but a final verdict may take years.

Sudan has initiated legal action against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the World Court, accusing it of breaching obligations under the Genocide Convention by providing support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has responded by seeking immediate dismissal of the case, asserting that it lacks legal and factual foundation.

The allegations are linked to ethnic-based violence perpetrated by the RSF and allied militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur in 2023. Such acts have been characterized as genocide by the United States. Although the Sudanese foreign ministry has not commented, their formal application to the court has been confirmed by Reuters.

Sudan has regularly charged the UAE with backing the RSF, which opposes the Sudanese government amidst ongoing civil unrest. These claims of UAE support have been deemed credible by U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers. Sudan’s allegations against the RSF include genocide, murder, property theft, rape, forcible displacement, and human rights violations, as stated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

An official from the UAE responded, claiming that Sudan’s filing is a mere publicity stunt, aiming to distract from the complicity of Sudanese Armed Forces in ongoing atrocities. The UAE emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian efforts in Sudan and advocates for a ceasefire.

The conflict in Sudan began following a power struggle in April 2023, leading to widespread suffering from hunger and disease, while provoking foreign involvement. Ethnic violence has intensified, particularly in West Darfur where survivors recounted targeted killings and sexual violence against the Masalit population.

The ICJ serves as the highest international court addressing state disputes and violations of treaties, with both Sudan and the UAE being parties to the 1948 Genocide Convention. Sudan is urging the court to impose urgent measures to prevent further genocidal acts. While a hearing on these emergency measures is anticipated soon, a final ruling on the genocide claims may take years to materialize, potentially impacting the ongoing situation in Darfur.

In summary, Sudan’s case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice is a significant legal and humanitarian development amid ongoing conflict. The allegations of genocide against the RSF and support from the UAE highlight the dire ethnic violence in Sudan and its implications. The situation remains critical, with the potential for further escalations and the need for urgent international attention and action against such atrocities.

Original Source: www.cnn.com