The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected Sudan’s case against the United Arab Emirates, a development that marks a turning point in international diplomacy over the war in Sudan. The case, brought by Sudan’s army-dominated government, blamed the UAE for accused complicity in stoking the civil war by providing material support to other factions—a charge the UAE has repeatedly denied.
The ICJ, in its ruling, decided that Sudan did not provide adequate legal arguments and evidence to pursue its allegations. The court pointed out that the case was outside its jurisdiction for a determination under the circumstances before it, basically shutting the case down at the initial stage. The UAE received the judgment positively and confirmed its support for regional peace and humanitarian work in Sudan.
In the wake of the court’s ruling, the UAE urged the international community to refocus its attention on Sudan’s acute humanitarian crisis, wherein months of clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces had displaced millions of people and put the country at the threshold of famine. The UAE officials reiterated the need for ceasefire negotiations, the provision of aid, and global cooperation in ending the heightening conflict.
Sudan’s officials were disappointed but indicated they would continue to pursue diplomatic and multilateral channels to resolve what they assert are foreign interference exacerbating their internal crisis. The ICJ’s decision might now turn the spotlight away from courtroom fights to renewed diplomatic efforts between regional powers, humanitarian organizations, and peace negotiators.
