The nomination of Lana Nusseibeh, a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, for the position of United Nations Secretary-General has been met with criticism from Sudanese diaspora communities and international human rights organisations. These groups express concern over her previous defense of the UAE against allegations of supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising questions about her independence and suitability for the role.
Nusseibeh’s nomination comes as the UAE seeks to position her as a successor to António Guterres, whose second five-year term as UN Secretary-General ends this year. This move has sparked controversy amid ongoing allegations regarding the UAE’s involvement in Sudan’s civil war, particularly its support for the RSF, which has been accused of committing atrocities against civilians. The RSF’s attack on El Fasher in October 2025 was notably described by the United Nations as having genocidal characteristics.
Hala al-Karib, a prominent Sudanese women’s rights and pro-democracy activist, has expressed concerns about Nusseibeh’s potential inability to act independently of her government’s stance on Sudan. Al-Karib argues that approving her candidacy could undermine efforts to achieve justice for the victims of conflict-related atrocities. Other Sudanese activists share these worries, fearing that her appointment might erode public confidence in the UN’s ability to hold powerful governments accountable.
Former Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth has also criticized Nusseibeh’s past responses to allegations of UAE support for the RSF, suggesting that her approach to accountability may be compromised. In response, Nusseibeh has defended her candidacy by condemning the RSF’s actions in Sudan and pledging to support UN fact-finding missions and efforts to promote accountability and transitional justice if appointed.
Nusseibeh has taken leave from her ministerial position in the UAE government, asserting that this decision reflects the independence required of a UN Secretary-General. The selection process for the role involves a candidate needing at least nine affirmative votes in the 15-member UN Security Council, without a veto from any of its five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia.
The leadership race remains competitive, with former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan emerging as a strong contender in an informal Security Council poll. The controversy surrounding Nusseibeh’s nomination has added further uncertainty to the selection process, underscoring broader concerns about the independence of international institutions and their capacity to ensure accountability for alleged human rights violations.