Sudanese Diaspora and Rights Groups Oppose UAE Nominee for UN Post

International human rights monitors and members of the Sudanese diaspora have strongly opposed the nomination of Lana Nusseibeh for the top position at the United Nations. The United Arab Emirates put forward the diplomat last week to succeed António Guterres as secretary-general when his second five-year term concludes this year, altering a previously gridlocked selection process. Critics have highlighted her history of rejecting accusations that the UAE provides backing to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the ongoing conflict against the Sudanese army.

Rights organizations have documented evidence for years indicating Emirati assistance to the RSF. The paramilitary group has faced extensive accusations of atrocities during the war, including an assault on El Fasher in October 2025 that the UN described as bearing the characteristics of genocide. Nusseibeh, who served as the UAE representative to the UN until 2024, has consistently mirrored official denials from her government regarding these claims.

During a virtual briefing hosted by the Avaaz advocacy group, various figures criticized the candidature. Hala al-Karib, regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, stated that Nusseibeh lacks independence regarding her nation's involvement in Sudan. Ibrahim Alduma, co-founder of Sudan Action Hub, warned that her success would diminish public trust in the UN. Husam Mahjoub, co-founder of Sudan Bukra TV, argued that appointing the senior diplomat would place institutional leadership in the hands of the opposing government's main defender.

Opposition to the UAE UN nominee highlights intense scrutiny over alleged involvement in the Sudan conflict.

Former Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth criticized Nusseibeh for dismissing reports regarding arms and support for the RSF, noting that the paramilitary group achieved military success and committed atrocities with outside assistance. Bruno Stagno Ugarte from Human Rights Watch added that her dismissal of UN findings has undermined accountability for victims. Kate Ferguson of Protection Approaches described the bid as an instance of autocratic capture affecting a major multilateral institution.

In response, Nusseibeh issued a statement indicating she would support fact-finding missions and transitional justice for Sudan if appointed, while characterizing RSF crimes as atrocious. She mentioned taking a leave of absence from her ministerial post to demonstrate independence, describing the conflict as a primary test for an incoming secretary-general.

Securing the position requires at least nine affirmative votes from the fifteen security council members, alongside no vetoes from permanent members the US, UK, China, France, or Russia. An informal poll earlier this month placed Rebeca Grynspan as a frontrunner, though all candidates received opposing votes from permanent members, leaving future straw polls under discussion.