Sudan’s government reiterated its claim on Wednesday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a “key role” in escalating the ongoing conflict in Sudan, a day before an International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing is set to take place in The Hague regarding genocide allegations against Abu Dhabi.
For nearly two years, the Sudanese army, aligned with the government, has been locked in a brutal war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with widespread destruction and suffering, according to the United Nations.
“The United Arab Emirates has played a key role in the escalation of the conflict in Sudan. It has committed acts contrary to humanity and crimes that could lead to international prosecution,” said Sudan’s Information Minister Khalid al-Aiser during a press briefing.
The ICJ is scheduled to hold hearings on Thursday, following Sudan’s request for a case against the UAE, which was filed in early April. Sudan’s legal team argues that the UAE’s alleged support for the RSF makes it “complicit in the genocide against the Masalit,” a non-Arab ethnic group targeted by the RSF in Sudan’s western Darfur region.
Abu Dhabi has consistently denied accusations of supporting the RSF and has labelled the case as a “publicity stunt.” The UAE has also expressed its intention to challenge the case and seek its dismissal.
Minister Aiser stated that Sudan possesses “sufficient evidence” to substantiate its claims.
The conflict in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced more than 12 million people. The United Nations has declared famine in parts of the country, and the situation is expected to worsen.
In addition to the genocide allegations, Sudan has called on the ICJ to issue “provisional measures” to impose emergency orders, including demands for reparations from the UAE. While the ICJ’s rulings are legally binding, it lacks the direct authority to enforce them.
In January 2024, UN experts confirmed that claims suggesting the UAE had transported weapons to the RSF via neighbouring Chad were credible.
