• The Gambia accuses Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya in a landmark case at the ICJ.
• Myanmar asserts that The Gambia has not proven its accusations of genocide.
• The case highlights international efforts to address human rights violations against the Rohingya.
• A final ruling by the ICJ is anticipated in late 2026, which may influence similar cases globally.
• The hearings will include testimony from Rohingya victims in closed sessions.

The Gambia has opened a historic case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group in Myanmar. Initiated in 2019, this case marks the first instance in which a country has brought genocide allegations on behalf of another nation or ethnic group to the ICJ. The Gambia's attorney general, Dawda Jallow, stated that the Rohingya were "targeted for destruction," and detailed accounts from refugees described horrific abuses, including mass killings and arson. The court's involvement offers a precedent for addressing similar human rights violations globally, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

In its defense, Myanmar has categorically denied the allegations, claiming that The Gambia has failed to provide sufficient proof of genocide. Ko Ko Hlaing, a representative of the Myanmar government, argued that the military's actions were legitimate counter-terrorism efforts against militant threats rather than acts of genocide. This stance contradicts the findings of a United Nations report stating that Myanmar's military operations constituted "genocidal acts." The ongoing hearings are expected to scrutinize Myanmar's military conduct during the 2017 crackdown, during which over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh amidst widespread violence, as reported by Reuters and BBC.

The Gambia's argument emphasizes that the actions taken by Myanmar against the Rohingya demonstrate a clear pattern of genocidal intent. Dawda Jallow described the Rohingya’s plight as a culmination of decades of persecution and propaganda, followed by brutal military action aimed at erasing their existence. According to Jallow, the evidence illustrates a coordinated effort by the Myanmar state to destroy the Rohingya people, aligning with the definitions of genocide as outlined in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. This legal framework forms the cornerstone of The Gambia's case, supported by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, as noted in Al Jazeera and BBC.

The ICJ proceedings are anticipated to extend through January, culminating in a final ruling predicted for late 2026. This ruling will not only impact Myanmar but could also set a precedent for other nations facing similar accusations, as evidenced by the ongoing South Africa case against Israel on charges of genocide. Hearings are poised to include closed sessions where Rohingya survivors will recount their experiences, marking a critical moment as it represents the first time victims have been able to present testimonies directly to an international court on such allegations, according to Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera.