Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of complicity in genocide in a filing at the International Court of Justice, putting the spotlight on the oil-rich monarchy's alleged involvement in a devastating civil war.

The UAE has long been accused by Sudan and others of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting the regular army for nearly two years -- an allegation the Gulf state denies.

How is the UAE involved in Sudan, and what ties does it have to the RSF?

- Why is Sudan important to the UAE? -

One of Africa's largest countries, Sudan has a wealth of natural resources including vast agricultural lands, gas and gold, of which it is the continent's third-largest producer.

It neighbours Libya, where Abu Dhabi backs the rebel authorities, and has a coastline on the Red Sea -- a crucial maritime route for oil shipping.

In 2021, Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power in a coup alongside his deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti.

Two years later fighting erupted between the two generals, with powers including the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Russia accused of supporting one side or the........

© Al Monitor