Sudan has taken a bold and historic step by filing a legal case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case accuses the UAE of violating international law by helping fund and arm a violent paramilitary group responsible for genocide and ethnic cleansing in Darfur. This is not just a legal battle between two countries—it is a test for the conscience and unity of the Global South.
Sudan’s move is significant, courageous, and necessary. But for it to truly make a difference, it needs the support of countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the broader Global South. If these nations care about justice, sovereignty, peace, and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities, then now is the time to take a stand.
What Is the Case About?
Since 2023, Sudan has been trapped in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The RSF has been accused of committing mass atrocities in the Darfur region, especially targeting the Masalit people—an African ethnic group indigenous to western Sudan.
The violence in Darfur has been described by many human rights groups and international observers as ethnic cleansing, even genocide. Villages have been destroyed, civilians have been executed, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes.
Sudan’s government is now accusing the UAE of being directly complicit in these crimes. The claim is that the UAE provided military and financial support to the RSF, enabling their violent campaign. If true, this could mean that the UAE broke its obligations under the Genocide Convention—a global treaty that all signatory countries must follow to prevent and punish genocide.
What the UAE Says
The United Arab Emirates strongly denies these accusations. Emirati officials have called the claims “baseless” and “politically motivated.” They argue that Sudan’s government is using the court to score political points and distract from its internal failures.
However, legal experts say that Sudan’s case has merit and deserves a full hearing. The ICJ is expected to review evidence and determine whether the UAE did, in fact, provide support that contributed to acts of genocide in Darfur.
Why the Global South Should Care
This case is not just about Sudan and the UAE. It touches on bigger issues that affect many countries in the Global South: sovereignty, foreign interference, and the right to self-determination without outside manipulation. It is also about accountability. If powerful countries can fund armed groups and walk away without consequences, then the entire system of international law is at risk.
Here’s why nations of the Global South should rally behind Sudan:
1. A Chance to Uphold International Justice
Many countries in the Global South have long complained that international law only applies to the weak, while the powerful act with impunity. Supporting Sudan’s ICJ case is a chance to prove that justice should apply to everyone—big or small, rich or poor.
Backing this case sends a message that genocide, war crimes, and foreign meddling will not be tolerated, no matter who is behind them. If the Global South truly believes in a fair world order, it must stand on the side of victims—not the side of unchecked power.
2. Protecting the Principle of Sovereignty
Foreign military involvement and proxy wars have caused deep harm across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. From Libya to Yemen to Congo, outside powers have often fueled conflict for their own benefit.
Sudan’s case challenges this behavior head-on. It calls out the role of a wealthy Gulf state in deepening African instability. If the Global South stays silent, it sends the wrong message—that sovereignty and territorial integrity can be undermined without consequence.
3. Supporting the Victims in Darfur
The people of Darfur have suffered for two decades. This is not the first time the region has experienced genocide. The early 2000s saw similar horrors. For the international community to allow it to happen again—and stay silent—is a moral failure.
Global South nations must show they care about human life, justice, and peace. Supporting Sudan’s case is one way to honor the memory of past victims and protect those still under threat today.
4. Strengthening Global South Solidarity
The Global South often talks about unity and shared values. This is the time to turn those words into action. When one member of the Global South takes a courageous step to seek justice, others should not leave them alone.
Just as many countries stood together to resist colonialism, they must now stand together to uphold human rights. Unity in times of crisis builds strength and credibility.
What Can Countries Do to Show Support?
Backing Sudan’s case doesn’t necessarily mean taking sides in its internal conflict. It means believing in accountability and due process. Here are some ways Global South nations can show support:
- Issue public statements endorsing Sudan’s right to seek justice through the ICJ.
- Join the legal case as interveners or submit briefs in support of international law and genocide prevention.
- Engage diplomatically with Sudanese leaders to understand their perspective and needs.
- Condemn arms trafficking and foreign funding of non-state armed groups across the Global South.
A Turning Point for Global Accountability
This case could become a major turning point in how the world responds to state-sponsored violence. If the ICJ rules in Sudan’s favor, it will set a global precedent. It will show that governments can no longer hide behind wealth or political power when accused of grave crimes.
On the other hand, if the world ignores this case, it could encourage more proxy wars and more unchecked violence. It would weaken the very foundations of international justice.
In Conclusion
Sudan’s case against the UAE is more than just a legal filing. It is a cry for justice from a war-torn country that has seen too much suffering. It is a chance for the Global South to step up, speak out, and show what kind of world it wants to live in.
Senior U.S. Official Lenderking Travels to UAE and Bahrain to Strengthen Regional Cooperation
