World court to hear Sudan's case against UAE over alleged genocide support

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said it would hear a case brought by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), charging that the Gulf nation was bankrolling genocide in Sudan's Darfur region. Sudan charges that the UAE was arming paramilitary forces, such as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been waging a two-year civil war against the Sudanese army.

A complex conflict 

The Sudan war has resulted in hundreds of thousands killed and millions of people displaced. The UAE-supported RSF is accused of non-Arab ethnic groups' mass atrocities like that of the Masalit tribe in West Darfur. Already, the attacks have been defined as genocide by the United States. 

UAE denies accusations 

The UAE has dismissed Sudan's claims, describing them as a "political bluff" and a "public relations exercise." The claims have been found by UN specialists and US legislators to be credible. The UAE has also maintained that it continues to be true to its humanitarian commitment to the people of Sudan.

ICJ to consider emergency measures

The ICJ has indicated that it will hear Sudan's application for emergency orders compelling the UAE to desist from funding genocidal activities in Darfur on April 10. The action is intended to stem the conflict further.