Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the Gulf state of complicity in genocide through its alleged support for Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In its submission, Sudan claims that the UAE has provided extensive political, financial, and military support to the RSF, fueling the group’s involvement in genocide, particularly against the Masalit community in Sudan’s West Darfur region. The country also seeks reparations from the UAE for its alleged role in the conflict.
The UAE, which has consistently denied these accusations, dismissed the lawsuit as a “publicity stunt” and vowed to have it thrown out. It also labeled the claims as baseless, adding that Sudan’s actions are aimed at diverting attention from the ongoing war between the RSF and the Sudanese army, which has killed thousands and displaced over 12 million people.
Sudan is requesting that the ICJ take urgent provisional measures to protect civilians and demand reparations for victims. The case also accuses the RSF of genocide, murder, theft, rape, and human rights violations, with Sudan asserting that the UAE’s actions violate the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
The ICJ’s rulings are legally binding, though the court lacks enforcement power, as seen in previous cases. The UAE has rejected the accusations and criticized Sudan for using international platforms to advance its political agenda.