The Sudanese government has taken a bold step by accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of being the “driving force” behind what it described as a genocide in Darfur. Presenting its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Sudan claims the UAE has provided arms and logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023.
Muawia Osman, Sudan’s acting justice minister, told the court that the alleged atrocities killings, rapes, forced displacement, and looting would not be possible without UAE’s involvement. He emphasized that the UAE’s backing of the RSF has fueled what he termed an “ongoing genocide” against the Masalit ethnic community in West Darfur.
Sudan’s plea to the ICJ seeks not only an immediate halt to any UAE support for the RSF but also full reparations, including financial compensation for victims of the war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The UAE, however, strongly denies any involvement. Reem Ketait, a senior UAE official, dismissed the case as “political theatre” and argued that it lacks both legal and factual merit. She called for both Sudanese factions to pursue an urgent ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, legal analysts suggest that the ICJ may not proceed with the case due to jurisdictional limitations. When the UAE joined the Genocide Convention in 2005, it made a reservation to Article IX, which allows countries to bring disputes before the court. Michael Becker, an international law expert, noted that this could lead the ICJ to rule that it lacks jurisdiction to hear Sudan’s claims.
Sudan, however, argues that the UAE’s reservation undermines the convention’s core purpose preventing genocide and ensuring accountability.
While ICJ rulings are binding, the court lacks enforcement mechanisms. Past rulings, such as its order for Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine, have had limited impact. Nonetheless, Sudan’s move underscores the growing internationalization of the Darfur conflict and the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding it.
