Sudan Initiates Legal Proceedings Against UAE at World Court for Genocide Allegations
Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the ICJ, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by supporting the RSF, accused of committing genocide against the Masalit tribe. The UAE plans to dismiss the case, deeming it baseless, while Sudan seeks immediate measures to halt these acts. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated into widespread violence and a humanitarian crisis.
Sudan has initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention due to the UAE’s reported support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has expressed its intention to seek an immediate dismissal of the case, asserting that it lacks a legal or factual basis, as stated by a UAE official.
The accusations correspond to severe ethnic-based assaults executed by the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur during 2023. These assaults have been characterized as genocide by the United States as of January this year. While Sudanese officials frequently implicate the UAE in supporting the RSF, this is rigorously denied by the UAE, even as claims from U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers have been deemed credible.
Sudan’s claims at the ICJ include various grave offenses: genocide, murder, theft of property, rape, forcible displacement, vandalism of public properties, and violations of human rights. The ICJ has noted that Sudan believes these acts were perpetrated because of direct support from the UAE to the rebel RSF militia and related armed groups.
In response, the UAE representative described Sudan’s application to the ICJ as a “cynical publicity stunt” aimed at diverting attention from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ involvement in ongoing atrocities affecting the nation. The UAE asserts it is committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis and has advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF commenced in April 2023 amid a power struggle concerning military integration, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis and inciting ethnic violence, particularly in West Darfur. Survivors have detailed targeted ethnic attacks, particularly against Masalit boys and women.
As a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, Sudan seeks immediate measures from the ICJ to halt genocidal acts. A hearing on these emergency measures is anticipated within weeks, while a conclusive ruling from the court regarding potential genocide may take years to finalize. Furthermore, the RSF and associated groups are reportedly establishing a parallel governance system, a development which has been rejected by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
In conclusion, Sudan has formally brought the United Arab Emirates before the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention due to the alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces, implicated in ethnic violence in West Darfur. While the UAE rejects these claims, stating the case lacks merit, Sudan is seeking urgent legal measures to address the humanitarian and genocidal crisis. The ongoing conflict necessitates international scrutiny, and the involvement of foreign powers complicates the resolution landscape.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
