UAE President reaffirms support for Syria’s stability options

UAE Dismisses Sudanese Allegations at ICJ, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Humanitarian Aid

The Hague, April 13 – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has categorically rejected allegations presented by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) during proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), calling the claims “baseless” and legally unfounded.

In a firm statement issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials emphasized that Sudan’s legal filing failed to meet international evidentiary standards and lacked credibility. The UAE’s legal team countered the accusations in court, asserting that the SAF was unable to provide substantiated proof, thereby presenting what they described as a weak and unfounded case.

During the hearing, the UAE delegation made it clear that the case lacked jurisdiction and legitimacy under international law. “There is no legal foundation for the Court’s jurisdiction in this matter,” the delegation stated, noting that the UAE’s reservation to Article IX of the Genocide Convention is a legitimate expression of national sovereignty. Despite this, the UAE chose to participate in the hearing out of respect for international legal institutions.

The UAE further highlighted its longstanding humanitarian support for the Sudanese people since the onset of the conflict. According to the Ministry, the UAE has contributed over USD 600 million in aid and set up field hospitals in Chad and South Sudan to serve refugees—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. These efforts underscore the country’s commitment to alleviating human suffering on the ground.

The UAE reiterated that it does not support the SAF or the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and reaffirmed its neutral position in the Sudanese conflict. Rather, the UAE has continuously pushed for a peaceful settlement, calling for humanitarian corridors, ceasefires, and accountability for both sides’ breaches.

Moreover, the UAE criticized the SAF for obstructing peace efforts by walking away from internationally supported mediation talks in Jeddah, Manama, and Switzerland. While the SAF appeared at the ICJ in The Hague, the UAE pointed out that the same party had refused to engage in genuine peace negotiations for over two years.

Reem Ketait, Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Co-Agent for the UAE at the ICJ, described the SAF’s legal action as a “distortion of international law and the Genocide Convention,” lacking both evidence and moral standing. She labeled the case a public relations move intended to deflect attention from the SAF’s own human rights abuses.

Ameirah Obaid AlHefeiti, the official Court Agent and UAE Ambassador to the Netherlands, echoed this position, stating that the SAF’s plea is an obvious attempt to shift blame for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. She referenced reliable accounts of the SAF’s use of chemical weapons, extrajudicial executions, and indiscriminate attacks, among other atrocities.

AlHefeiti stressed that rather than being manipulated through international channels, the Sudanese people should have a civilian-led government and a future characterized by justice, dignity, and peace.

The UAE concluded by restating its steadfast adherence to humanitarian principles, international law, and constructive engagement as the sole means of achieving enduring peace in Sudan.