Sudan requests emergency measures against UAE for funding paramilitary forces

Sudan has found itself embroiled in a devastating conflict that erupted in mid-April 2023, primarily due to escalating tensions between its military and rival paramilitary forces. This war has resulted in widespread abuses and severe humanitarian crises, particularly affecting the Masalit people. Against this backdrop, Sudan has taken the significant step of approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to request emergency measures against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly breaching the 1948 genocide convention. The accusations point to the UAE's role in arming and financially supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group involved in the conflict. Sudan's request highlights the desperation and gravity of the situation faced by its populace, as it seeks to hold another state accountable for its perceived complicity in the violence. The UAE, however, has publicly rejected these claims, characterizing Sudan's request as a publicity stunt and asserting that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction over the matter. UAE officials stress that the case lacks legal and factual merit, asserting their disengagement from the ongoing war in Sudan despite being linked to the paramilitary group in question. The court's decision, thus anticipated on Monday, holds significant implications, not only for Sudan's quest for accountability and justice but also for broader international norms surrounding state accountability under the genocide convention.