Sudan Files Genocide Case Against UAE at ICJ for Support of RSF

Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the ICJ, alleging support for the RSF in genocide against the Masalit tribe. The UAE seeks dismissal of the case, deeming it baseless. Sudan cites numerous human rights abuses committed by the RSF, which it claims were facilitated by UAE support. The ICJ is anticipated to hear emergency measures soon, though a final ruling may take years.

Sudan has initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention due to the UAE’s purported support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. An Emirati official dismissed these claims as lacking any legal or factual basis, indicating the UAE’s intention to seek immediate dismissal of the case.

The allegations are associated with ethnic attacks carried out by the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in 2023 in West Darfur. Notably, the United States recognized these attacks as genocide in January. The Sudanese foreign ministry has not offered public commentary on the case thus far.

Sudan formally accuses the RSF of various crimes including genocide, murder, property theft, rape, and rights violations, claiming these acts were facilitated by direct support from the UAE. The Emirati official characterized Sudan’s actions as a misguided attempt to draw attention away from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ complicity in ongoing atrocities in the region.

The ongoing conflict between Sudanese government forces and the RSF began amid a power struggle in April 2023, resulting in widespread humanitarian crises and ethnic violence, particularly against the Masalit community in West Darfur. The ICJ’s proceedings are expected to begin with emergency measures requested by Sudan, though a final ruling on the case may take years to materialize, potentially affirming the characterization of the events as genocide.

Sudan’s legal action against the UAE at the ICJ highlights the ongoing crisis resulting from the conflict involving the RSF and government forces, with serious implications for humanitarian welfare and regional stability. The allegations of genocide, if confirmed, could have significant ramifications for both nations involved. As the ICJ progresses with the case, particularly regarding emergency measures, the world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and the ultimate legal findings related to genocide in Darfur.

Original Source: www.dawn.com