- Sudan alleged the UAE armed paramilitary groups committing atrocities in the region
- The ICJ dismissed Sudan’s request for emergency measures to prevent further violence against the Masalit tribe
- The UAE called the ruling a “decisive affirmation” that the case was baseless
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, May 5, dismissed Sudan’s case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which accused the Gulf nation of supporting genocide in Darfur by supplying arms to paramilitary groups. The court ruled it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
Sudan had argued that the UAE breached the Genocide Convention by backing paramilitary forces in Darfur. However, the UAE requested the case be dismissed, and the ICJ agreed, rejecting Sudan’s request for provisional measures and ordering the case off its docket.
Due to the jurisdictional issue, the court stated it was “precluded by its statute from addressing the substance of Sudan’s claims.”
Responding to the verdict, Sudan on Tuesday, May 6, stressed that the dismissal does not exonerate the UAE from allegations of genocide and vowed to continue exploring legal avenues to defend its citizens.
The UAE celebrated the ruling as a decisive legal win. “This decision clearly confirms that the case was unfounded. The court’s lack of jurisdiction highlights that it should never have been brought,” said Reem Ketait, Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs at the UAE’s Foreign Ministry.
She added, “The facts show the UAE is not responsible for the Sudan conflict. The atrocities committed are attributable to the warring factions, as thoroughly documented.”
In a 14-2 vote, the ICJ also rejected Sudan’s plea for emergency measures to prevent genocide against the Masalit ethnic group, a target of severe ethnic violence by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias.
Sudan accuses the UAE of arming the RSF, which has been engaged in a two-year civil conflict with the Sudanese army. The UAE denies the allegations, though U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers have cited credible evidence from human rights reports regarding weapons transfers.
A recent April report by a U.N. expert panel did not directly name the UAE, except to note its role in Sudan peace negotiations.
The ICJ serves as the U.N.’s principal court for resolving disputes between states and ensuring adherence to international treaties. Both Sudan and the UAE are parties to the 1948 Genocide Convention.
