International Court of Justice Rejects Sudan’s Case Against UAE Over Genocide Allegations

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague announced on Monday, May 5, 2025, that it has rejected a case filed by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The case accused the UAE of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention by allegedly supporting and arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan since 2023.

Sudan had requested provisional measures compelling the UAE to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of violence, particularly targeting the Masalit ethnic group in the Darfur region.

The UAE firmly denied all allegations, describing them as baseless, and reiterated its commitment to international law and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, alongside widespread reports of human rights violations by both parties.

With the ICJ ruling that it lacks jurisdiction—due in part to the UAE’s reservation on the relevant clause of the Genocide Convention—the case is effectively closed without the court addressing its substantive claims. The decision underscores the legal complexities nations face when seeking international accountability for foreign involvement in domestic conflicts.