ICJ Dismisses Sudan's Genocide Case Against UAE in 14-2 Vote, Sudan Cuts Ties Amid RSF Drone Strikes on Port Sudan

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has dismissed Sudan's case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a 14-2 vote, ruling that it lacked jurisdiction due to the UAE's reservation to Article IX of the Genocide Convention. Sudan had accused the UAE of complicity in genocide by arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region, targeting the Masalit community.

In response to the ICJ's decision, Sudan's army-aligned government declared the UAE an 'aggressor state' and severed diplomatic ties, citing the UAE's support for the RSF. Sudan invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, reserving the right to respond to any threats to its sovereignty.

The escalation in tensions follows three days of drone strikes on Port Sudan, which Sudan attributes to the RSF and its alleged backer, the UAE. These attacks, carried out by kamikaze drones, have targeted critical infrastructure including Port Sudan's international airport, the Osman Digna air base, a fuel depot causing a fire that led to damages estimated at half a billion dollars, a major power station, and a hotel. Port Sudan serves as the country's de facto capital. The Sudanese army has also used Chinese-made drones, identified as FH-95s, in retaliatory strikes.