The nomination of United Arab Emirates diplomat Lana Nusseibeh for the position of United Nations Secretary-General has sparked significant opposition from Sudanese diaspora communities and international human rights organizations. Critics are concerned about her previous defense of the UAE against allegations of supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), questioning her independence and suitability for the role.
Nusseibeh was nominated to replace outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term concludes this year. However, her candidacy has become controversial amid ongoing concerns regarding the UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil war. Human rights groups have accused the UAE of providing support to the RSF, which has been implicated in widespread atrocities against civilians, including an attack on El Fasher in October 2025 that the United Nations described as having genocidal characteristics.
Hala al-Karib, a Sudanese women’s rights and pro-democracy activist, expressed doubts about Nusseibeh’s ability to act independently of her government’s stance on Sudan. Al-Karib warned that her approval could undermine efforts to achieve justice for victims of atrocities committed in the country. Other Sudanese activists share similar concerns, fearing that her appointment might weaken public confidence in the United Nations.
Former Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth also criticized Nusseibeh’s past responses to allegations of UAE support for the RSF, suggesting that her rejection of these claims raises questions about her commitment to accountability. Despite the criticism, Nusseibeh has defended her candidacy, condemning the RSF’s actions in Sudan and pledging to support UN fact-finding missions and efforts to promote accountability and transitional justice.
Nusseibeh has taken leave from her ministerial role in the UAE, emphasizing the independence required for the UN Secretary-General position. The selection process demands a candidate receive at least nine affirmative votes in the UN Security Council and avoid a veto from any of its five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia.
The competition for the UN’s top leadership role remains intense, with former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan previously identified as a leading candidate. The controversy surrounding Nusseibeh’s nomination adds further uncertainty to the selection process, highlighting broader concerns about the independence of international institutions and their ability to ensure accountability for human rights violations during conflicts.