On those very narrow grounds, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) unanimously dismissed Sudan’s attempt to sue the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for complicity in genocide. With this strong 14-2 vote the court dismissed the case. Sudan alleges that the UAE is carrying out direct military operations against RSF opponents, providing military, financial, and logistical support to the RSF. These forces have been responsible for systemic attacks against non-Arab communities, most notably in Darfur.
Sudan claimed that the UAE had facilitated its own weapons shipments and recruited mercenaries in support of the war. This support was used specifically to allow the RSF to commit ethnically targeted mass attacks. Among the communities specifically mentioned as victims were the Masalit people, who have faced severe atrocities amidst ongoing violence in the region.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the ICJ determined it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the case, ruling that it was “precluded from taking any position on the merits of Sudan’s claims.” This error amounts to a significant step backward for Sudan. The country still faces challenges when it comes to combatting human rights violations at home.
The Sudanese army and the RSF have been heavily implicated in atrocities, including sexual violence. These accusations involve targeted killings of civilians, preventing humanitarian aid access, and widespread looting. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur has sparked strong international condemnation and calls for increased accountability and intervention by leading human rights organizations.
In response to the court’s decision, the UAE firmly rejected Sudan’s accusations, labeling them as “political theatre” and “a cynical publicity stunt.”
“The court’s decision is clear and decisive,” – Reem Ketait, the UAE’s deputy assistant minister for political affairs.
The UAE’s vigorous defense of its actions is a testament to how seriously it takes allegations that it is fueling the conflict. Diplomatic relations between Sudan and the UAE have noticeably soured. Both nations continue to find their way in a rapidly evolving political climate fraught with regional turmoil.
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