Sudan has filed a genocide case against the UAE at the ICJ, alleging support for the RSF, which purportedly committed atrocities against the Masalit tribe in 2023. The UAE plans to dismiss the case, citing a lack of legal basis. Sudan seeks emergency measures to prevent further genocidal acts, while both nations are bound by the Genocide Convention. The situation is further complicated by the evolving conflict and international dynamics.
Sudan has initiated a case against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention through purported support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ICJ announced this development on Thursday, with the UAE planning to seek an immediate dismissal, claiming the allegations lack legal merit.
The allegations stem from severe ethnic-based violence perpetrated by the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur during 2023, which the United States categorized as genocide in January. The Sudanese foreign ministry did not comment following this announcement.
Sudanese officials have accused the UAE of backing the RSF, their opponents in a civil war, claims that have gained credibility from UN experts and some US lawmakers. The allegations listed by Sudan at the ICJ include genocide, murder, theft, sexual violence, forced displacement, and human rights violations, purportedly facilitated by UAE support to the RSF and affiliated groups.
An Emirati official remarked that this legal action by Sudan serves as a “cynical publicity stunt” intended to distract from the ongoing atrocities allegedly committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Meanwhile, the conflict has caused extensive humanitarian crises, with widespread hunger and disease threatening the country’s cohesiveness, involving multiple foreign nations in the process.
The ICJ, responsible for resolving state disputes and monitoring international treaty compliance, has been approached by Sudan to enact emergency measures for preventing further genocidal acts. Although a hearing concerning these measures is anticipated imminently, reaching a conclusive outcome may take years, potentially determining the genocide status in Darfur.
As the RSF works towards establishing an alternative government, the situation continues to evolve, impacting regional stability and drawing rejections from neighboring nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar regarding these developments.
In summary, Sudan has formally accused the UAE of violating genocide conventions through support for the RSF amidst ongoing conflict. The allegations emerged from ethnic violence in West Darfur, wherein the ICJ has been sought for emergency measures. The UAE refutes these claims, labeling them publicity-driven. The outcome remains uncertain as Sudan’s case progresses within the complex landscape of international law and regional politics.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
