In brief
In a significant decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on May 5, 2025, that it has dismissed Sudan's case accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of facilitating genocide in Sudan by providing support to paramilitary forces involved in the ongoing civil conflict. The court stated it “manifestly lacks jurisdiction” over the matter.
The ruling came after a 14-2 vote rejected Sudan's request for provisional emergency measures aimed at halting the alleged actions that could lead to genocide against the Masalit community in the Darfur region. In a 9-7 vote, the court also decided to officially remove the case from its agenda. Despite both nations being signatories to the 1948 Genocide Convention, the UAE had previously opted out of a crucial clause that permits countries to initiate legal actions against each other in the ICJ.Sudan had presented its case to the court in March, accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention through its support of the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a powerful paramilitary group engaged in fighting the Sudanese military. At the initial hearing, Sudan called for immediate orders to prevent further aid to the R.S.F. and to stop any actions deemed genocidal. However, the Emirati government dismissed these claims, asserting that Sudan did not provide adequate evidence and reaffirming the court's lack of jurisdiction over the case.
