Sudan has initiated legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that the UAE has provided substantial support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group embroiled in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The Sudanese government contends that the UAE’s involvement constitutes complicity in the genocide of the Masalit community in West Darfur, citing military, financial, and political backing for the RSF.
UAE denies allegations as tensions escalate
In a robust response, the UAE has categorically rejected Sudan’s accusations, labeling the case as a “cynical publicity stunt” and indicating its intention to pursue an immediate dismissal of the claims. Since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, both the RSF and the Sudanese army have faced allegations of committing serious human rights violations and atrocities against the civilian population.
Concerns over humanitarian crisis and international response
The allegations against the RSF highlight the severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the conflict in Darfur, particularly affecting non-Arab communities. A report from the news agency AFP quotes Sudan’s submission to the ICJ: “The United Arab Emirates fuels the rebellion and supports the militia that has committed the crime of genocide in West Darfur. The United Arab Emirates must make full reparation for the injury caused (by) its internationally wrongful acts, including paying reimbursement to the victims of the war.”
An unnamed official from the UAE responded, stating that “the allegations presented by the SAF representative at the ICJ lack any legal or factual basis, representing yet another attempt to distract from this calamitous war.”
Moreover, UN experts who are monitoring the arms embargo on Darfur have previously indicated that claims regarding the smuggling of weapons from the UAE to the RSF through Chad are credible.
Although the ICJ’s advisory opinion does not have legally binding power, it holds considerable political significance. The protracted conflict has ravaged Sudan, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing over 12 million people, thereby contributing to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Recently, an attack on a camp for displaced individuals in North Darfur resulted in dozens of casualties. Reports indicate that a crowded market in Abu Shouk, situated on the outskirts of el-Fasher, was subjected to heavy shelling for approximately two hours on Tuesday evening, causing widespread panic and fear among residents.