UAE Diplomat Lana Nusseibeh Faces Scrutiny Over Sudan Role in UN Chief Race

Key points

• Nusseibeh, former UAE ambassador to the UN, declared her candidacy this week after a stalled race, with the Trump administration reportedly rejecting other candidates.
• The Gulf Cooperation Council unanimously supports her, citing her work on the Abraham Accords and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Critics, including the Center for International Policy and Yale researchers, accuse the UAE of providing drones and mercenaries to the RSF, which committed atrocities in Sudan.
• Nusseibeh previously denied UAE backing of the RSF, a stance critics say shielded the paramilitary group from accountability.
• The UN faces severe funding cuts and criticism, with Nusseibeh promising to use 'quiet diplomacy' to rebuild trust and address AI governance.

Background

The UN is currently weakened by funding cuts from the Trump administration and rising global conflicts. Previous coverage highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including recent drone strikes in Abyei and West Kordofan that killed over 300 people, and systematic attacks on healthcare in El-Fasher. These events underscore the severity of the RSF's actions, which are central to the criticism of Nusseibeh's candidacy.

How outlets are covering it

AP News presents a balanced view, noting Nusseibeh's strong support from Gulf states and her advocacy for Gaza, while highlighting the serious allegations regarding the UAE's role in Sudan. The Center for International Policy (CIP) takes a starkly critical stance, labeling Nusseibeh a 'compromise candidate' and arguing her ties to an authoritarian regime and denials of UAE support for the RSF make her an inappropriate choice. CIP emphasizes that the UN should not be used to advance a vision where 'might makes right,' contrasting this with the multilateral norms Nusseibeh claims to uphold.

Why it matters

The selection of the next UN Secretary-General is critical as the organization faces existential threats from funding cuts and declining influence. Nusseibeh's candidacy tests the UN's ability to balance diplomatic pragmatism with accountability for human rights abuses. Her potential appointment could signal a shift in how the UN handles conflicts involving powerful member states, potentially impacting future interventions in Sudan and other regions.

What to watch

Nusseibeh will face questions from UN General Assembly members on Tuesday. The outcome of the candidacy process will depend on whether member states prioritize her diplomatic experience and regional connections or the allegations of complicity in the Sudanese civil war. The Trump administration's stance on the candidate will also be a key factor in the final selection.