Sudan has filed a case at the International Criminal Justice (ICJ) against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing it of complicity in genocide by giving “direct support” to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF is a rebranded name for the notorious Janjaweed militia, which is accused of engaging in several crimes in different parts of Sudan, such as West Darfur, South Kordofan, and Khartoum.
These violations include, but are not limited to, genocide, murder, theft of property, rape, forcible displacement, trespassing, vandalism of public properties, and violation of human rights.
Sudan has asked the ICJ to initiate proceedings against the UAE about a dispute concerning alleged violations by the UAE of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide concerning the Masalit group in Sudan, most notably in West Darfur.
Sudan told the ICJ that all such acts by the RSF have been “perpetrated and enabled by the direct support given to the rebel RSF militia and related militia groups by the United Arab Emirates.”
They alleged that the UAE “is complicit in the genocide on the Masalit through its direction of and provision of extensive financial, political, and military support for the rebel RSF militia.”
Sudan requested the court to indicate provisional measures, pending a final judgment, requiring the UAE to fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention by taking all necessary measures to prevent acts covered under Article II of the Convention.
While defending itself from the allegations by Sudan as presented in the case, an official of the UAE told Reuters it would seek immediate dismissal of the case, which it said lacked any legal or factual basis.
Taking to a statement on X, UAE Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash stated that Sudan should focus its priorities on stopping the group instead of moving to court.
The RSF group is not new to Kenya; the group has held several meetings in Nairobi, including one on February 23, when its officials signed a charter in Nairobi to establish a parallel government.
The meetings brushed shoulders between Sudan and Kenya, with leaders from Sudan calling out President Ruto for hosting them. Reacting to the meeting, Sudan's Foreign Minister claimed the event contradicted Kenya’s commitment to ending violence in Sudan.
On his part, Sudan's Deputy Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Malik Agar, warned Ruto of interfering with Sudan's affairs. Agar urged Ruto to focus on domestic issues such as unemployment, poverty, and demands for transparency and to allow Sudan to resolve its problems independently.
