UAE Diplomat's UN Chief Bid Faces Scrutiny Over Sudan Role

United Arab Emirates (UAE) diplomat Lana Nusseibeh's candidacy for the next UN Secretary-General is facing scrutiny from human rights monitors, who question her role in the UAE's foreign policy and the conflict in Sudan. The criticism comes as Nusseibeh's late entry into the race to replace Antonio Guterres has disrupted the stalled selection process, which has yet to produce a consensus candidate among the Security Council's most powerful nations.

Critics argue that Nusseibeh's denial of the UAE's involvement in arming and supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan contradicts findings from a UN fact-finding mission. The mission reported that foreign weapons, military technology, fighters, and logistical networks, including entities in the UAE, have sustained the conflict in Sudan. The war, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 14 million people and created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, expressed concern about Nusseibeh's candidacy during a webinar organized by Avaaz. He stated that her denial of the UAE's role in the conflict is not aligned with the moral standing and human rights leadership expected from a UN Secretary-General. The webinar also featured Sudanese experts and a survivor of the El Fasher massacre, who shared their concerns about the implications of Nusseibeh's candidacy on the UN's commitment to protecting civilians.

Husam Mahjoub, a Sudanese advocate, warned that electing Nusseibeh could hand leadership of UN institutions to a defender of the UAE's government at a time when Sudanese civilians need the UN to hold powerful states accountable.

Nusseibeh's candidacy has garnered pushback since her late entry into the race. Despite months of campaigning by several senior UN figures and former country leaders, the competition has struggled to produce a consensus choice among the Security Council's most powerful nations.