Sudan filed a case at the International Court of Justice against the UAE, claiming that it breaches the genocide convention by funding the Rapid Support Forces. The court will consider allegations of serious human rights abuses against the Masalit people. Sudan seeks provisional measures to prevent further violence. The conflict has resulted in extensive casualties and displacement.
Sudan has lodged a formal case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that the United Arab Emirates is violating the genocide convention by providing support to the rebel faction known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The ICJ announced that this case, filed on Wednesday, highlights accusations of severe human rights abuses committed by the RSF against the Masalit people, including genocide, murder, and rape.
According to Sudan, the UAE has been complicit in these atrocities through its extensive financial, political, and military support for the RSF militia. The country is requesting the ICJ to enforce urgent provisional measures against the UAE, aimed at preventing further violence against the Masalit population.
The conflict in Sudan intensified in April 2023, resulting in over 24,000 fatalities and displacing 14 million people, which constitutes nearly 30% of the country’s population. Many Sudanese have sought refuge in neighboring countries, amidst the chaos.
The announcement of Sudan’s case follows the signing of a charter by the RSF and its allies, which seeks to establish a rival government against the backdrop of escalating military actions by Sudanese forces. The Conflict Observatory, funded by the U.S. State Department, has reported on arms transfers from the UAE to Sudan via flights that allegedly serviced the RSF.
Notably, the U.S. Treasury Department previously sanctioned RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti, along with several RSF-linked companies in the UAE, due to their involvement in alleged genocidal activities. Despite numerous accusations, the UAE has denied arming the RSF, asserting its support was humanitarian.
Historically, the name Darfur has been associated with genocide and violent criminal acts, particularly where the Janjaweed militias targeted African populations. The extensive loss of life includes approximately 300,000 deaths and 2.7 million displaced individuals in the region.
Decisions rendered by the International Court of Justice are legally binding but often take several years to conclude, following established proceedings.
Sudan’s case against the UAE highlights serious allegations regarding the funding and arming of rebel forces engaged in significant human rights violations. As the conflict in Sudan escalates, the implications of the ICJ’s ruling could have substantial consequences for regional stability and the accountability of nations involved in supporting harmful factions. The legal proceedings may take years, yet the urgency to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis remains critical.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
