International Court of Justice dismisses genocide accusations brought forth by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates.
In a surprising turn of events, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has abandoned Sudan's bitter fight against the UAE, citing a glaring absence of jurisdiction as the primary reason for throwing out the case[1][2]. Sudan had unleashed a torrent of accusations against the UAE, claiming that its alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was fueling a genocide[1][4]. However, the Emiratis staunchly denied these allegations, dismissing them as a cunning attempt to divert attention from Sudan's grisly internal conflict[3][4].
The ICJ's decision to dismiss the case left Sudan reeling, with pro-Sudan protesters demonstrating outside the Peace Palace, the ICJ's headquarters in The Hague, brandishing banners and shouts of outrage[1]. The inaction of the ICJ comes at a time when Sudan is grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis, with famine officially hitting five areas across the country and the world's largest displacement unfolding[1][5]. The North Darfur region has borne the brunt of the conflict, witnessing at least 542 civilian deaths in the past three weeks[1].
The ICJ expressed its deep concern about the unfolding tragedy in Sudan and pointed out that countries are still accountable for acts violating their international obligations, regardless of the ICJ's jurisdiction[1]. While the ICJ refused to rule on the merits of Sudan's case, it did highlight that states must comply with their obligations under the Genocide Convention[1].
During the case's hearings in April 2025, Sudan's acting justice minister, Muawia Osman, implored the ICJ judges to force the UAE to halt its alleged aid to the RSF and make comprehensive reparations, including compensation to victims of the conflict[1]. Despite the ICJ's decision, the bloody conflict in Sudan shows no signs of abating, with the RSF launching its first attack on Port Sudan, the seat of the army-aligned government, on Sunday[1].
[1] Reuters, "ICJ dismisses Sudan's case against UAE over alleged support to RSF," May 5, 2025. [Link][2] AP News, "UAE hails ICJ ruling that dismisses Sudan's case against it," May 5, 2025. [Link][3] Al Jazeera, "Sudan asks ICJ to halt UAE's alleged support for RSF," April 7, 2025. [Link][4] Al Araby, "UAE dismisses Sudan's genocide claims as 'cynical PR stunt'," May 2, 2025. [Link][5] UN News, "UN warns of deprivation, hunger and displacement in Sudan," May 2, 2025. [Link]
Key insights:
- The ICJ ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to proceed with Sudan’s legal action against the UAE, resulting in the dismissal of the case[1][2].
- Sudan claimed that the RSF’s involvement in atrocities during Sudan’s civil war relied on UAE support, including arms shipments[3].
- The UAE countered these allegations, disputing any involvement and labeling the case as a cynical maneuver to divert attention from Sudan’s internal conflict[3].
- The ICJ’s ruling came as Sudan faces a humanitarian disaster, with famine and massive displacement ongoing[1][5].
- The RSF launched its first attack on Port Sudan, further aggravating the ongoing conflict in Sudan[1].
- The United Arab Emirates was urged to halt its alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur, as Sudan accused them of fueling genocide, an allegation the UAE strongly denied.
- Protesters outside the Peace Palace, the International Court of Justice's headquarters in The Hague, demanded justice for the unfolding human rights abuses in Sudan.
- General news outlets reported that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction to proceed with Sudan's legal action against the UAE, leading to the case's dismissal.
- The ICJ expressed concern about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, reminding countries of their obligations to respect international human rights laws under the Genocide Convention.
- As the war-and-conflicts continued to ravage Sudan, the RSF launched its first attack on Port Sudan, raising international concerns about the brutal nature of the ongoing conflict.
- Sue Osman, Sudan's acting justice minister, pleaded with the ICJ to intervene and enforce the UAE's compliance with international law, ensuring accountability for acts that violate human rights.
