UAE diplomat slams Sudan’s ICJ genocide case as ‘political stunt’
April 7, 2025 (ABU DHABI) – A top United Arab Emirates diplomat has fiercely rejected Sudan’s accusations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) linking the Emirates to alleged genocide in Darfur, calling the case a “political game” just days before preliminary hearings.
Writing in the UAE-based English-language newspaper The National on Monday, Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, denied his country arms either side in Sudan’s devastating civil war.
His comments come as the ICJ prepares to hold public hearings this Thursday, April 10, on Sudan’s request for emergency measures against the UAE.
Sudan lodged the case with the ICJ on March 6, accusing the UAE of providing military, financial, and political backing to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Khartoum alleges this support contributed to acts of genocide against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur state during the ongoing conflict. Abu Dhabi has previously denied and condemned the accusations.
In his opinion piece, Gargash labelled the Sudanese military-led government’s actions at the ICJ as “farcical” and a “publicity stunt.” He asserted the case was built on “fabrications, falsehoods and fiction,” following what he called earlier “absurd actions” by Sudan at the UN Security Council.
“Let there be no confusion,” Gargash wrote, stating the UAE does not support or supply either the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) or the RSF. “We unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by both parties and call for their immediate cessation.”
Gargash portrayed the SAF, which leads the government that filed the ICJ complaint, as one of the “two warring parties” responsible for the conflict that erupted in April 2023. He referenced the SAF’s 2021 coup, which ousted a civilian government, as derailing Sudan’s transition and contributing to its suspension from the African Union.
“If the SAF truly seek peace, the path is clear – come to the negotiating table,” Gargash urged, suggesting forums like the Jeddah Declaration talks. He also referenced “disheartening reports” concerning alleged chemical weapons use by the SAF.
The diplomat highlighted the UAE’s long-standing ties with Sudan and its humanitarian efforts. The UAE has claimed over $3.5 billion in aid over the past decade, including more than $600 million since the current war began. He cited support for Chad and South Sudan refugee camps and diplomatic efforts to broker ceasefires.
“Our commitment is to these people [the Sudanese people] and not to the warring parties,” Gargash stressed.
He dismissed the ICJ case as an attempt by the SAF-led government “to drag a longstanding friend of Sudan and Africa into the conflict they themselves have fuelled,” reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to peace and development in Africa.