Sudan has accused the UAE of supporting genocide through its backing of the RSF at the ICJ. The UAE plans to dismiss the case, asserting that it lacks a factual basis. This legal action follows documented ethnic attacks in West Darfur, with claims made against the RSF of numerous human rights violations. Both nations are signatories of the Genocide Convention.
Sudan has initiated a legal action against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention through support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE intends to seek immediate dismissal of the case, asserting it lacks legal foundation, according to an Emirati official’s statement to Reuters.
The allegations relate to severe ethnic violence orchestrated by the RSF and allied militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur during 2023, which the United States labeled as genocide in January. Sudanese officials frequently accuse the UAE of backing the RSF, a claim the UAE has denied, despite credibility from UN experts and US lawmakers.
The ICJ statement reveals Sudan’s claims against the RSF, alleging genocide, murder, property theft, rape, forcible displacement, trespassing, vandalism, and human rights violations, reportedly enabled by direct UAE support to the RSF.
An official from the UAE criticized Sudan’s application to the ICJ as a “cynical publicity stunt,” suggesting it diverts attention from the atrocities associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF, originating from a power struggle in April 2023, has led to significant humanitarian crises and ethnic violence across the nation.
The ICJ, as the premier UN court addressing inter-state disputes and international treaty violations, is handling this case. Both Sudan and the UAE are signatories of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Sudan is urging the court to impose immediate measures compelling the UAE to prevent further genocidal actions.
While the ICJ is expected to hold a hearing regarding emergency measures in a few weeks, a definitive ruling on the genocide case may take several years. Meanwhile, the RSF, along with corresponding political factions, is working towards establishing a rival government, which faces opposition from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
In summary, Sudan has filed a serious legal case against the UAE at the ICJ, accusing it of facilitating genocide through support of the RSF. The UAE denies these allegations, calling the Sudanese claims unfounded. The case underscores the severe humanitarian situation in Sudan resulting from ongoing civil conflict, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and international law enforcement against genocide.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
