Sudan regime bears responsibility for its failure

A new, desperate and miserable attempt by the Sudanese regime aims to distract the world's attention from the atrocities committed for two years against the Sudanese people and civilians who are paying the price of an absurd war waged by parties led by their narrow ambitions and interests, forcing 14 million people to flee their homes, which is considered the worst displacement crisis in the world.

This time, the Sudanese regime chose the UAE to blame for its mistakes and defeats, trying to cover up its crimes by taking international action. It went to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with a request to file a lawsuit against the UAE regarding allegations of "the UAE's violations of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide". This regime knows that its complaint will not see the light of day, because it is incorrect, untrue, inconsistent with reality, and not based on any evidence. But despite that, it is trying in the media to distract attention from the reality of the situation, the horrors in Sudan, and the crimes committed by it and by the warring parties there.

Given the legal and human rights context, Sudan’s accusation against the UAE will not be easy to prove, and the case will most likely be dismissed on the grounds of jurisdiction and lack of proof of the UAE’s responsibility. Technically, there are conditions for accepting the case before the ICJ, the first of which is proving jurisdiction. Since the UAE and Sudan are signatories to the 1948 Genocide Convention, “theoretically” the case can be referred to the court, but the most important thing - practically - is proving involvement in genocide. The Sudanese regime must provide clear and convincing evidence proving that the UAE participated directly or indirectly in genocide by supporting the Rapid Support Forces, which it accuses of committing widespread violations in Darfur, and thus prove genocidal intent, which is the basic element in defining the crime according to Article 2 of the Genocide Convention.

The Sudanese regime realizes that what it seeks is not possible, and therefore its request was born dead. But it continues its maneuvering to buy time, divert attention, and try to exonerate itself by blaming others. This is not strange, as in many cases, such regimes use international accusations as a tool to achieve internal political gains or to rearrange regional alliances.

There are several scenarios for this case. The expected legal scenario is to dismiss the case on the grounds of jurisdiction, as the UAE could challenge the jurisdiction of the ICJ to hear the case due to the absence of a previous legal dispute between the two countries regarding genocide, Sudan’s failure to exhaust all diplomatic means before resorting to the court, and the Sudanese allegations being based on political accusations rather than legal ones, which could lead to the case being dismissed.

On the other hand, it is clear that the regime in Sudan deliberately ignores many facts, but Sudanese people inside and outside Sudan, as well as the international and humanitarian community, are aware of the significant role that the UAE has played in Sudan over the past years, as the UAE has provided significant humanitarian support to Sudan, especially during times of crisis. In 2019, the UAE launched an air bridge to transport medical and food aid during the Sudanese protests, and it has also contributed to development projects, such as building hospitals and schools. In 2023, it pledged to provide $50 million to support Sudan’s economic stability. These efforts demonstrate an Emirati orientation towards enhancing stability, not undermining it.

Diplomatically, the UAE has supported national dialogue and peace processes, in line with its position rejecting illegal military interventions. This diplomatic approach contradicts the idea of ​​supporting acts of violence targeting certain groups. The UAE has a long record of mediation to resolve regional conflicts, such as its role in the reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The UAE will not tolerate the mistakes or failures of the Sudanese regime or otherwise, and it will not accept blackmail and manipulation from any party. The world knows the extent of the UAE's commitment to international law, as the UAE has signed most international agreements related to human rights, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The UAE also cooperates with the United Nations judicial mechanisms, which confirms its readiness to respond transparently to any allegations.

Finally, international justice is not subject to political statements or media campaigns, but rather requires clear evidence and proof. The UAE does not need anyone to defend it, because it is the one that adheres to and defends the principles of international justice. The days will prove that the UAE's humanitarian and political record is the strongest response to all politicized and ideological accusations.