Sudan Initiates Legal Action Against UAE Amid Civil Conflict

Sudan has filed a legal case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging that the UAE has armed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, contributing to severe humanitarian crises and violence in the country. The conflict has triggered one of the worst displacement crises globally and famine declarations. Regional powers perceive the situation as an opportunity to exert influence in a proxy war. Meanwhile, U.S. aid suspensions have worsened the humanitarian conditions faced by Sudanese citizens.

Sudan has initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice, alleging that the UAE has armed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing civil conflict. The case asserts that the UAE’s support for the RSF has contributed to ethnic-based violence, particularly in Darfur, where the United States has identified actions amounting to genocide. This conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, characterized as the gravest displacement crisis globally and marked by the first declared famine in decades.

The conflict in Sudan has evolved into a battleground for proxy wars, with competing interests from regional powers. According to observers, the Gulf nations view the Sudanese conflict as an avenue to enhance their influence within the region. Sudan’s strategic position, serving as a connection between the Middle East and Africa, has made it crucial in regional geopolitics, particularly due to its access to key maritime routes. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are vying for dominance, with Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a peace advocate while the UAE is accused of illicitly providing arms to the RSF under the pretense of delivering humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Sudan has been exacerbated by the suspension of U.S. aid during the Trump administration, leading to the closure of approximately 80% of emergency food kitchens aimed at combating famine. Despite a recent Supreme Court decision against maintaining the aid freeze, the timeline for restoration remains uncertain. Reports indicate dire conditions, with citizens expressing desperate need for food. Although some speculate that China may fill the void left by diminished U.S. influence, its engagement in Africa has traditionally focused on business partnerships rather than humanitarian aid.

In summary, Sudan is escalating its legal battle against the UAE relating to alleged military support for the Rapid Support Forces in a conflict marked by severe humanitarian crises. As the situation worsens, regional dynamics and international responses continue to shape the course of this proxy conflict, highlighting the complexity of aid challenges and geopolitical interests. The ramifications of U.S. aid withdrawals further complicate an already dire humanitarian landscape in Sudan.

Original Source: www.semafor.com