Introduction
Sudan has officially launched legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the Gulf nation of violating the Genocide Convention by providing support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, a paramilitary group involved in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, has been accused of committing widespread atrocities, particularly in the Darfur region. Sudan claims that the UAE’s financial and military assistance enabled the RSF to commit acts of genocide, including mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement of ethnic communities.
The case, filed on March 6, 2025, marks a major escalation in the geopolitical dimensions of Sudan’s internal conflict. If the ICJ accepts Sudan’s petition, the case could have significant legal and diplomatic consequences for the UAE and other actors involved in the Sudanese crisis. The legal action also underscores the growing international pressure on the UAE, which has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the RSF.
Background of the Conflict
Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since April 2023, when tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF exploded into open conflict. The power struggle between the two factions has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with thousands of deaths and millions of people displaced. While the fighting has affected multiple regions, the violence in Darfur has been particularly brutal.
The RSF, which evolved from the notorious Janjaweed militias responsible for previous war crimes in Darfur, has been accused of ethnic cleansing against the non-Arab Masalit community. Reports from human rights organizations and survivors have detailed mass executions, sexual violence, and widespread destruction of homes and villages. The Sudanese government, now controlled by the SAF, argues that the RSF’s actions amount to genocide and that the UAE played a key role in facilitating these crimes by providing the group with weapons, funds, and logistical support.
Sudan’s Allegations Against the UAE
Sudan’s case before the ICJ alleges that the UAE has been complicit in acts of genocide by directly and indirectly supporting the RSF. The Sudanese government claims that the UAE supplied weapons, drones, and financial resources that enabled the RSF to carry out systematic attacks on civilians. The legal filing also accuses the UAE of using its territory as a logistical hub for arms shipments to the RSF, violating international laws and obligations under the Genocide Convention.
Additionally, Sudan alleges that the UAE provided political backing to the RSF, allowing the group to maintain legitimacy despite its human rights abuses. The Sudanese government argues that this level of support goes beyond mere involvement in the conflict and constitutes active complicity in genocide. As part of its legal action, Sudan has requested that the ICJ issue emergency measures to halt UAE’s alleged support for the RSF while the case is being heard.
The UAE’s Response
The UAE has strongly denied Sudan’s accusations, dismissing the lawsuit as politically motivated and lacking legal merit. Emirati officials have described the case as a strategic move by the Sudanese government to shift blame for the ongoing conflict. The UAE maintains that it has only provided humanitarian assistance to Sudan and has called for a peaceful resolution to the war.
Furthermore, the UAE has emphasized that it is not the only external actor involved in Sudan’s crisis. Other countries, including regional and Western powers, have also been accused of providing support to different factions in the war. The UAE argues that Sudan’s government is selectively targeting it while ignoring other external influences.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Sudan. The United States, in particular, has taken measures in response to the conflict, including imposing sanctions on RSF leaders and affiliated companies based in the UAE. The U.S. Treasury Department recently sanctioned RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemedti, and several UAE-based firms accused of financing RSF operations.
U.S. lawmakers have also raised concerns about the UAE’s alleged involvement in the Sudanese conflict. Some members of Congress have pushed for restrictions on arms sales to the UAE, citing its purported support for the RSF. The conflict has also drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which have urged stronger action to hold external actors accountable for fueling the violence.
The Legal Process at the ICJ
The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations responsible for settling disputes between states. Sudan’s case against the UAE is based on alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention, to which both countries are signatories. According to Sudan’s legal filing, the UAE’s support for the RSF directly contributed to crimes that meet the legal definition of genocide.
The ICJ has the authority to issue binding rulings, but enforcing these rulings depends on the cooperation of member states and international bodies. Legal experts suggest that the case could take years to reach a final verdict. However, Sudan has also requested provisional measures—urgent legal actions that could force the UAE to halt any alleged support for the RSF while the case is ongoing.
Humanitarian Impact
The war in Sudan has caused immense suffering, with more than 24,000 people killed and approximately 14 million displaced since the fighting began. The humanitarian crisis has been particularly severe in Darfur, where civilians have been caught in targeted attacks. Reports from international aid organizations describe mass graves, systematic sexual violence, and entire communities being wiped out.
Beyond Darfur, the conflict has destabilized the entire country. Millions are facing acute food shortages, and Sudan’s healthcare system has collapsed in many regions. The United Nations has warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could lead to one of the worst famines in modern history. The alleged role of external actors, including the UAE, has further complicated efforts to negotiate peace and deliver humanitarian aid.
Conclusion
Sudan’s decision to take the UAE to the International Court of Justice marks a significant development in the legal and diplomatic dimensions of the ongoing conflict. If the case moves forward, it could set a precedent for holding external actors accountable for their roles in conflicts worldwide. The allegations against the UAE add a new layer of complexity to an already dire situation, raising questions about international responsibility and the enforcement of genocide prevention laws.
As the legal battle unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how the ICJ responds to Sudan’s claims. The outcome of this case could influence future approaches to addressing state complicity in human rights violations and impact the geopolitical landscape of the region. Meanwhile, the people of Sudan continue to bear the brunt of a war that has left millions in desperate need of peace and justice.
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