Lana Nusseibeh’s UN Secretary-General Bid Faces Human-Rights Scrutiny Over UAE Ties to Sudan’s RSF

The United Arab Emirates nominated former UN ambassador Lana Nusseibeh on October 21 to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31 2026. If elected, she would become the first woman to lead the United Nations. The candidacy has drawn criticism from Sudanese diaspora groups and human-rights organisations, who argue that her country’s alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan creates a conflict of interest.

France 24

Since the civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, the RSF has been accused of mass atrocities, including the October 2025 attack on El Fasher that the UN described as bearing “hallmarks of genocide.” Human-rights monitors say the United Arab Emirates supplies drones, artillery and mercenaries to the RSF, a claim the UAE denies. In 2025 Sudan filed a case at the International Court of Justice alleging that the UAE breached the genocide convention by arming the RSF.

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• UN investigators reported at least 6,000 deaths in the El Fasher massacre.

Times of Israel

• Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale, estimated more than 150,000 Sudanese killed and 12 million displaced since the war began.

Middle East Eye

• The RSF’s upgraded weaponry includes AH-4 howitzers and reconnaissance drones that, according to Raymond, could only have been supplied by the UAE.

Middle East Eye

The UAE maintains that it does not back the RSF and calls the Sudan case a “cynical publicity stunt.” The Gulf Cooperation Council’s six member states have unanimously backed Nusseibeh, and the United Kingdom is reported to be leaning toward support.

France 24

Human-rights advocates argue that Nusseibeh’s candidacy would undermine the UN’s credibility. Sudan Action Hub co-founder Ibrahim Alduma warned that her success would cause people on the ground to lose faith in the UN. Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, called her “utterly inappropriate” and a “genocide denier.”

The Guardian

• “I think that Lana Nusseibeh is utterly inappropriate as a candidate for UN Secretary General,” — Ken Roth, Human Rights Watch

France 24

• “How did UAE become the largest global provider of humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to UN data? Because of Lana Nusseibeh — a diplomat who knows everyone and works with them to (get stuff done). She would be an inspired choice for this impossible job,” — Brett McGurk

Times of Israel

The UN’s estimate of 6,000 deaths in El Fasher contrasts with Raymond’s figure of over 150,000 total Sudanese fatalities, reflecting divergent methodologies. While multiple human-rights groups present evidence of UAE arms transfers, the UAE and Nusseibeh have offered only blanket denials, leaving a gap in publicly verifiable documentation.

The Guardian

Nusseibeh is scheduled to address the General Assembly on October 27. A candidate must secure at least nine affirmative votes from the 15-member Security Council and avoid a veto from any permanent member. An informal straw poll is expected in the coming days, followed by a Security Council recommendation and a General Assembly vote before the end of 2026.

The Guardian