The nomination of United Arab Emirates diplomat Lana Nusseibeh for the United Nations Secretary-General role has stirred controversy due to her previous defense of the UAE amidst allegations of supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Critics, including Sudanese diaspora communities and international human rights organizations, argue that her candidacy raises doubts about her ability to independently uphold human rights and accountability.
Nusseibeh’s nomination to succeed António Guterres has come under fire amid ongoing accusations that the UAE has backed the RSF, a group implicated in atrocities during Sudan’s civil war. The RSF’s actions, such as the October 2025 attack on El Fasher, have been described by the United Nations as potentially genocidal, intensifying concerns about her candidacy.
Hala al-Karib, a Sudanese women’s rights activist, questioned whether Nusseibeh could remain impartial given her previous stances. She cautioned that her appointment might undermine efforts to achieve justice for victims of the conflict. Other activists fear her selection could erode public trust in the UN’s ability to hold powerful nations accountable for human rights violations.
Former Human Rights Watch executive Kenneth Roth criticized Nusseibeh for her past dismissals of claims regarding UAE’s involvement with the RSF, suggesting it casts doubt on her commitment to accountability. Despite these criticisms, Nusseibeh has defended her candidacy, condemning the RSF’s actions and pledging to support UN initiatives for fact-finding and transitional justice if appointed.
Nusseibeh has taken leave from her UAE ministerial role to emphasize the independence required of a UN Secretary-General. The selection process demands a candidate to secure at least nine affirmative votes in the 15-member UN Security Council, avoiding a veto from any of the permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia.
The race for the UN leadership remains competitive, with former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan also a prominent candidate in earlier informal Security Council polls. The debate surrounding Nusseibeh’s nomination adds uncertainty to the selection process, highlighting broader issues about the independence and accountability of international institutions.