An Expert to Sudanhorizon: UAE’s Reservation on Article 9 is a Premeditated Move

Sundhorizon Exclusive– Maryam Abshir
The Sudnhorizon news outlet has obtained insights into the international reactions—particularly in London, UK—regarding the initiation of the legal proceedings against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to reports monitored by Sudnhorizon’s correspondent, the opening of the hearings and the arguments presented by Sudan’s legal team received widespread attention, notably from British and international media outlets.
Observers noted a significant amount of coverage across British news sites and television channels, with particular focus on the UAE’s legal defense. The UAE’s sole argument was that the International Court of Justice lacks jurisdiction, based on the country’s reservation on Article 9 of the Genocide Convention, which obligates state parties to accept the Court’s authority in disputes under the treaty.
A moment that stood out was when one of the judges directly questioned the UAE delegation about the rationale behind their reservation of Article 9, which essentially opts them out of being held accountable in Court. The Court requested the UAE to submit a written explanation, which will be provided within a deadline the Court will specify.
A diplomatic and legal expert speaking to Sudanhorizon remarked that the UAE’s reservation of this particular article may indicate a premeditated intent to engage in interventions such as its current role in Sudan and past involvements in regional conflicts, which span over the last decade.
The expert questioned the UAE’s motives for reserving an article designed to prevent acts of genocide, especially since the UAE is a small, wealthy country with a limited native population, a nation that has never experienced internal rebellion, civil war, or direct conflict with its neighbours—despite its claims that Iran occupies three of its islands.
He added:
“Even Israel, a country with a long history of contentious actions, did not reserve Article 9, and yet the Court recently ruled against it in a case filed by South Africa and other countries over the current war in Gaza.”
It is worth noting that the “For Sudan” coalition organized a protest in London in front of the UAE embassy, denouncing the UAE’s role in fueling the war in Sudan and supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This demonstration coincided with the opening of the Court hearings in The Hague.

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