Sudanese diaspora and human rights groups denounce UAE nominee for UN top job

Groups oppose Lana Nusseibeh because she previously represented the UAE and repeatedly denied allegations. They argue this record raises doubts about her independence and willingness to hold powerful governments accountable. The concerns matter because the secretary-general must protect the UN’s credibility during wars and investigations.

Human rights groups cite documented evidence linking UAE support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. The RSF has faced accusations of atrocities, including an October 2025 attack on El Fasher with genocide hallmarks. Nusseibeh called the RSF’s crimes atrocious, but critics say her earlier denials conflict with that position. Kenneth Roth said such denials disregard the facts and make her unsuitable for the post.

Her nomination has also raised fears that Sudanese victims would lose faith in the United Nations. Alduma warned that electing her could make people view the UN as obstructing justice rather than defending rights. She says she has taken leave from her UAE government role and would support accountability missions. However, selection requires nine of fifteen Security Council votes and no permanent-member veto.

The UN secretary-general is the organisation’s top official and public voice. The role involves guiding the UN, raising alarms about crises, and supporting investigations, diplomacy, and accountability. That influence can determine whether victims’ evidence receives attention and powerful states face scrutiny.

In Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces have been accused of atrocities, including an October 2025 attack on El Fasher. The UN said that attack had “hallmarks of genocide”. A secretary-general supporting fact-finding missions could help document crimes and advance justice; denial could weaken victims’ trust.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s former UN representative, says she would support accountability missions. Critics question her independence because she repeatedly denied alleged UAE support for the RSF. The Security Council needs nine votes and no veto, making its choice consequential.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are Sudanese paramilitary fighters battling the Sudanese army. They matter because the RSF has been accused of mass atrocities against civilians during the war. Rights groups and monitors say the United Arab Emirates supported the RSF, though the UAE denies those accusations.

A major reported example came in El Fasher in October 2025, when the RSF attacked the city. The UN said the assault had “hallmarks of genocide,” showing the extreme danger facing civilians. Alleged foreign support is central to concerns about how the RSF gained military strength and avoided accountability.

The accusations remain politically explosive as the UN considers its next secretary general. Critics say dismissing documented links to the RSF weakens justice efforts for Sudanese victims. UN fact-finding missions and transitional justice are therefore presented as essential responses to the war.

Rights groups and UN reports have documented alleged UAE links to the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. The RSF has been accused of atrocities in Sudan, making outside support a major accountability issue.

Kenneth Roth said the RSF could not have achieved similar military success without UAE support. The UN said its October 2025 attack on El Fasher showed “hallmarks of genocide”. These reports describe support as strengthening a force accused of mass atrocities, not merely influencing battlefield outcomes.

Nusseibeh, formerly the UAE’s UN representative, repeatedly echoed blanket denials. Critics say that stance raises questions about her independence and could weaken victims’ trust in the UN. Her promise to support fact-finding and accountability therefore faces a credibility test if she reaches the top job.

The secretary-general is chosen through a Security Council recommendation, followed by approval from the wider UN membership. The process matters because five powerful countries can block the choice.

A candidate must win at least nine affirmative votes from the Council’s 15 members. They must also avoid a veto from the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, or Russia. These five countries are permanent Council members.

The current race shows how difficult that system can be. An informal poll placed Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan narrowly ahead, but every candidate received at least two opposing votes from permanent members. The next poll could occur as soon as Friday, though diplomats are still negotiating its timing and format. This means a candidate needs broad support, while avoiding opposition from any powerful permanent member.

Trust could fall sharply if the UN appears to shield a government linked to alleged war crimes. The secretary-general must represent the UN independently, especially when civilians need accountability. If victims see political protection instead, they may doubt investigations, justice efforts, and peace initiatives.

This concern surrounds Lana Nusseibeh, nominated by the UAE to replace António Guterres. Critics say she repeatedly denied UAE support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces despite reports documenting alleged links. Ibrahim Alduma warned that her success could make Sudanese people view the UN as obstructing their rights. Perceived bias can make official promises sound empty and discourage cooperation.

The stakes are high because the RSF faces accusations of mass atrocities, including an El Fasher attack bearing “hallmarks of genocide.” Nusseibeh now says she would support fact-finding missions and calls RSF crimes atrocious. Yet Human Rights Watch said her earlier dismissals undermined justice. Unless independence becomes credible, distrust could spread beyond Sudan to victims of other conflicts.

Five permanent members—the US, UK, China, France, and Russia—can block a Security Council decision with one veto. This gives powerful states major influence when allies or their conduct face scrutiny. The Council also requires at least nine affirmative votes.

The Sudan case shows how this power affects legitimacy. UAE nominee Lana Nusseibeh has denied allegations that her country supports the Rapid Support Forces, despite links cited by rights groups. She needs nine votes and no veto, so one permanent member can stop her appointment.

An informal poll placed Rebeca Grynspan narrowly ahead, yet every candidate received at least two opposing votes from permanent members. The next poll may occur Friday, though timing remains unsettled. Vetoes can prevent action, while disputed nominations can further damage trust in UN justice.