ICJ hears Sudan case accusing UAE of ‘complicity in genocide’

Summary

The International Court of Justice is set to decide if the UAE can be held complicit in arming Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, accused of genocide. Sudan claims UAE aid sustains the conflict and seeks its cessation and reparations, while the UAE denies involvement and cites a 2005 reservation challenging the court's jurisdiction. The case hinges on whether the ICJ can proceed, potentially altering external support dynamics in Sudan's civil war.

Additional Summaries

The International Court of Justice is weighing whether the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a direct role in arming Rapid Support Forces during the 2023 Sudanese conflict, with Sudan accusing the UAE of supplying weapons and seeking reparations. The case could damage UAE's international reputation due to its 2005 reservation blocking ICJ involvement under the Genocide Convention. If ruled against them, external partners like Egypt might face pressure to reconsider their support for Sudan’s factions, while the UAE risks complicating its interests in politics and resource exploitation as this outcome unfolds.

The ICJ is examining whether the UAE supported Sudan's 2023 genocide claims by aiding RSF, which escalated into a full-scale conflict with the Sudanese military. Both sides are accused of war crimes. The UAE defends their support as legitimate but denies involvement in RSF activities, citing political and resource reasons while warning against perceived security threats from political Islam. The case highlights regional power dynamics and potential broader implications for conflicts.

Sudan wants ICJ judges to force the UAE to stop its alleged support for the RSF and make “full reparations”, including compensation to victims of the war. The UAE says the reservation precludes the ICJ from even forming a preliminary view as to whether the UAE is complicit in acts of genocide. The UAE told the ICJ that none of the seven entities held an active business licence in the UAE, “nor are they currently operating in the UAE”. The UAE’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Ameirah AlHefeiti, told the court the UAE had not provided arms to either of the warring parties. Alison Macdonald KC, for the UAE, said the evidence produced of UAE supply of arms was thin, recycled or entirely self-serving.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will soon rule on whether the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is complicit in genocide by arming Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan alleges that UAE support enables RSF to commit atrocities, particularly against the Masalit people in Darfur. The UAE denies these claims and accuses Sudan of misusing international institutions. A key legal issue is a reservation made by the UAE when signing the genocide convention. If found guilty, the UAE could suffer reputational damage. The conflict, which started in April 2023 between Sudan’s military and RSF, has seen both sides accused of abuses. Regional powers like Egypt and the UAE hold significant influence over the situation, with a British-led ceasefire attempt failing due to Arab state opposition.

Additional Summaries