Sudan Launches Case Against UAE at World Court

Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the UAE of complicity in alleged genocide against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur. The complaint centers on the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, which Sudan alleges have committed acts of genocide, murder, theft, rape, forcible displacement, and other human rights violations. Sudan claims these acts were carried out with the direct support of the UAE, including the supply of weapons, artillery, ammunition, drones, and other military equipment.

Sudan's case is based on Article 36, paragraph 1, of the ICJ Statute and Article IX of the Genocide Convention, to which both countries are signatories. The UAE, however, made a reservation upon acceding to the Genocide Convention, seeking to exclude disputes under the Convention from the ICJ’s jurisdiction. Sudan argues this reservation is invalid as it is incompatible with the Convention’s object and purpose.

Alongside the lawsuit, Sudan has requested the ICJ impose provisional measures to protect the Masalit population, including an order for the UAE to cease all support for the RSF and to take steps to prevent further acts of genocide. The ICJ has acknowledged the urgency of the situation and will prioritize Sudan’s request for provisional measures. The case highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the ongoing disputes between Sudan and the UAE.