Sudan has filed a lawsuit against the UAE at the ICJ, alleging Genocide Convention violations due to the UAE’s support of RSF attacks against the Masalit tribe. The UAE intends to dismiss the case, claiming it lacks a legal basis. The conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with Sudan requesting emergency measures from the ICJ to curb further genocide.
Sudan has presented a lawsuit against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), claiming that the UAE violated the Genocide Convention by allegedly supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ICJ announced this filing on Thursday, highlighting Sudan’s assertion that the UAE’s support has enabled genocide. The UAE intends to file for the case’s immediate dismissal, asserting that there is no legal or factual basis for the claims.
The allegations stem from violent ethnic attacks carried out by the RSF against the Masalit tribe in West Darfur in 2023. These attacks, recognized as genocide by the United States in January, have been thoroughly documented by various sources, including Reuters. Sudanese officials have persistently accused the UAE of backing the RSF, which opposes the Sudanese government amid an ongoing civil war, a claim denied by the UAE but found credible by UN experts and US lawmakers.
Sudan’s allegations against the RSF include genocide, murder, property theft, rape, forced displacement, and human rights violations. These acts are said to have been facilitated by the UAE’s direct support to the RSF and allied militias. An official from the UAE remarked that the case appears to be a “cynical publicity stunt” meant to shift focus from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ own involvement in the ongoing atrocities.
The civil conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 due to a power struggle, has severely impacted the nation, leading to widespread hunger and disease and threatening its stability. Ethnic violence has escalated, particularly in West Darfur, with reports of targeted killings and sexual violence against the Masalit community.
As parties to the Genocide Convention, both Sudan and the UAE are bound to comply with its stipulations. Sudan is urging the ICJ to implement emergency measures to compel the UAE to prevent further genocidal actions. Although the court is expected to hear the emergency measures soon, a final ruling on the case will likely take years, determining the extent of genocide in Darfur. Meanwhile, the RSF is attempting to establish a rival government, further complicating the geopolitical situation as it gains control over key regions, opposed by neighboring countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Sudan’s case against the UAE at the ICJ signifies a significant legal challenge concerning alleged support for genocidal acts by the RSF in West Darfur. The allegations are serious and have drawn international attention, especially following recent confirmations by the US. Both nations’ commitments under the Genocide Convention underline the gravity of the situation, with the ICJ’s involvement expected to shape future accountability and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
