The International Court of Justice (ICJ) decided on Monday to dismiss the case filed by Sudan against the United Arab Emirates due to lack of jurisdiction.
Khartoum had submitted a complaint against Abu Dhabi to the court on March 5, accusing the UAE of complicity in the crime of genocide committed by the Rapid Support Forces against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur.
Sudan requested the court to take provisional measures until a final ruling is made, including demanding the UAE refrain from actions that constitute violations of the Genocide Convention and international treaties, and to provide assurances of non-repetition.
The court announced it had “removed the case from the General List by a vote of nine to seven,” and rejected Sudan’s request for provisional measures by a vote of 14 to two.
The court stated it lacks jurisdiction to consider the case, which prevents it from taking a position on Sudan’s allegations, due to the UAE’s reservation to Article IX of the Genocide Convention.
It added: “The Court is deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Sudan and the loss of life, particularly in West Darfur. However, the scope of the case is necessarily limited by the basis of judicial jurisdiction.”
