In a dramatic increase in international tensions Sudan officially accused United Arab Emirates (UAE) of “complicity in genocide” during hearings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
Grave Allegations
The Sudanese transitional government informed the court of world justice in a statement on Thursday, that the UAE has played an active role in triggering the violence in Sudan’s Darfur as well as other war-torn regions through providing assistance for those who are part of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) an elite paramilitary force that is accused of carrying out a number of atrocities.
“By arming and funding the RSF, the United Arab Emirates has knowingly contributed to the systematic killing, displacement, and destruction of entire communities,” said Sudanese legal counsel at the hearing. “This is not merely political support — it is complicity in genocide under international law.”
The Sudan’s representatives have argued that such actions are in violation of their country’s 1948 Genocide Convention and demanded urgent international intervention.
Background to the Conflict
Since the month of April 2023 Sudan was entangled in a bloody civil conflict in which the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The war has claimed thousands of lives, forced the displacement of millions and sparked condemnation from and the United Nations and humanitarian groups.
The RSF originated from the notorious Janjaweed militias, who were accused of mass murders in Darfur in the 2000s, has been implicated in the ongoing war crimes, which include gender-based violence, ethnic cleansing and mass executions.
The government of Sudan says that UAE support — which includes the alleged supply of arms logistics aid, weapons, and financing — has allowed the RSF to carry on its campaign of violence, especially the region of West Darfur.
UAE Denies Accusations
The UAE has vigorously denied the claims. In a statement released shortly after the filing of Sudan, a spokesperson from The UAE’s Foreign Ministry called the accusations “baseless, politically motivated, and entirely without merit.”
“The United Arab Emirates has consistently supported peace and stability in Sudan and the broader region,” the statement stated. “We reject any suggestion that we are involved in the internal affairs of Sudan or that we support any group engaged in violence.”
What the Court Will Examine
The ICJ is a court that settles disputes between nations and interprets international laws, will now determine if there is sufficient evidence to move forward with an entire case. If the court is able to consider the case it could trigger an extensive legal process lasting for years, with a wide range of diplomatic implications.
Legal experts say that proving guilt in genocide is extremely difficult and requires Sudan to prove that the UAE was not only aware of the RSF’s conduct but also intention to support their cause.
Global Repercussions
This could further undermine regional alliances across regions like the Middle East and Africa. This also raises questions on the involvement of foreigners in Sudan’s civil war an issue that has generally overlooked in the international arena.
The United Nations has already called for all nations to end transfers of arms to the parties within the conflict. This move by Sudan could pressure other nations to take more firmly on the issue.
Looking Ahead
As the ICJ is examining the case the humanitarian situation in Sudan grows. International observers are monitoring closely not just to see if the case will be resolved, but also for indicators that justiceor political falloutcould affect the course of war.