Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the ICJ, claiming violations of the Genocide Convention due to support of paramilitary forces. The UAE has challenged the validity of the claims. The accusations stem from ethnic violence in West Darfur, categorized as genocide by the U.S. The notice from Sudan seeks emergency measures from the court amidst ongoing humanitarian crises in the country.
Sudan has initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention by allegedly arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development was confirmed by the ICJ on Thursday. The UAE has responded, asserting that it plans to seek an immediate dismissal of the case, claiming it lacks any legal or factual basis.
The accusations stem from severe ethnic violence attributed to the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in West Darfur during 2023. Such actions have previously been classified as genocide by the United States. However, the Sudanese foreign ministry has not provided an immediate comment regarding the situation, although Reuters has obtained the government’s application.
Sudanese officials have long accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, which are opposing the Sudanese government in an ongoing civil war. While the UAE denies these allegations, credible reports from U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers lend weight to Sudan’s claims. The ICJ documentation outlines several atrocities attributed to the RSF, including murder, sexual violence, forced displacement, and more, all purportedly facilitated by the UAE’s direct support.
An official from the UAE criticized Sudan’s legal action as a publicity stunt intended to shift focus from the Sudanese Armed Forces’ alleged complicity in ongoing atrocities within Sudan. The UAE expressed its commitment to resolving the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and has consistently advocated for an immediate ceasefire.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the military and RSF, has inflicted devastating humanitarian consequences, exacerbating hunger and disease across the nation. The bloodiest incidents have occurred in West Darfur, where survivors have recounted targeted killings and sexual assaults in the context of the ongoing violence.
The ICJ, being the highest UN court for state disputes and treaty violations, is being asked by Sudan to impose emergency measures and direct the UAE to prevent further genocidal acts. While emergency hearings are expected shortly, a final ruling on the genocide claims could take years to materialize, setting the stage for an extended legal odyssey.
In summary, Sudan’s case against the UAE in the ICJ underscores significant allegations of genocide and human rights violations attributed to the RSF in West Darfur, purportedly enabled by UAE support. The UAE’s dismissal of the claims and emphasis on humanitarian efforts indicate a contentious legal battle ahead. As both nations are bound by the Genocide Convention, the unfolding proceedings could have far-reaching implications for international law and accountability.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
