Sudan has filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging that it armed the Rapid Support Forces, contributing to genocide in Darfur. This conflict reflects regional power struggles in the Middle East, while US aid freezes are severely impacting humanitarian efforts in the country, prompting a catastrophic hunger crisis.
Sudan has initiated a legal proceeding against the United Arab Emirates, alleging that the Gulf state has been arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The case, filed with the International Court of Justice, asserts that the UAE has facilitated ethnic-based attacks in Darfur by this militia, which the United States previously labeled as genocidal. The conflict has triggered a significant displacement crisis and prompted a global famine declaration for the first time in decades.
Experts suggest that Sudan has transformed into a battlefield for proxy conflicts involving Middle Eastern rivals. According to a geopolitics analyst, Gulf nations perceive the Sudanese conflict as an opportunity to enhance their influence in the region, forging a ‘proxy war.’ Sudan’s geographic significance, linking the Middle East with Africa, uniquely positions it as a vital player in regional geopolitics, especially with its strategic Red Sea coastline. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have invested substantially in the country as they vie for regional dominance.
The Trump administration’s freeze on United States aid has resulted in the shutdown of approximately 80% of emergency food kitchens aimed at alleviating the famine crisis in Sudan. Although the US Supreme Court denied the administration’s appeal to maintain the aid freeze, the timeline for unfreezing the funds remains uncertain. Aid workers report dire conditions, stating, “people are screaming from hunger in the streets.” Speculation has arisen regarding China’s potential role in the region; however, its engagement with Africa typically emphasizes transactional relationships rather than aid initiatives.
In summary, Sudan’s legal action against the UAE highlights the complexities of the ongoing civil war and the critical humanitarian crisis it has spawned. The conflict serves as a proxy battleground for regional powers, significantly affecting regional stability and humanitarian conditions. The freeze on US aid exacerbates the crisis, overshadowing any potential foreign support from other nations like China, which may prioritize different forms of engagement. This situation merits close attention as it evolves.
Original Source: www.semafor.com
