The Hague (March 28, 2025) – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on Friday the commencement of proceedings in a case filed by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing the Gulf nation of complicity in genocide. The court has scheduled public hearings for April 10 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, its headquarters.
According to the ICJ’s statement, the hearings will focus on Sudan’s request for provisional measures under the Genocide Convention. These measures are intended to prevent further harm while the case is ongoing. The hearings will be held in two sessions: a morning session from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and an afternoon session from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Sudan filed the case on March 5, accusing the UAE of providing military, financial, and political support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. The complaint alleges that these groups committed widespread atrocities against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur, including genocide, murder, rape, forced displacement, and destruction of public and private property.
This legal action follows international reports and investigations suggesting UAE involvement in supporting RSF forces during Sudan’s ongoing conflict since April 2023. In January, the United States classified attacks against the Masalit community as acts of genocide.
The UAE has denied the allegations, dismissing them as “lacking any legal or factual basis.” Abu Dhabi has stated its intention to seek dismissal of Sudan’s claims.
It is noteworthy that Sudan previously filed a similar complaint against the UAE at the United Nations Security Council in March 2024, accusing it of supporting RSF forces through logistical routes established in Chad near Sudan’s borders.
