Sudan urges nations to block Lana Nusseibeh's UN secretary-general bid over UAE war ties

Top Sudanese diplomats at the United Nations have appealed to all member states to oppose Lana Nusseibeh’s bid for UN secretary-general, arguing that her record shows she has defended the United Arab Emirates despite accusations of backing the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s conflict. The Sudanese mission highlighted concerns about her impartiality, citing her denial of UN investigators’ findings on Emirati support for the RSF.

While the United Kingdom appears to favor her candidacy, Sudan’s representatives contend she would not pursue investigations into the UAE’s actions. The UAE denies any involvement, and Nusseibeh has repeatedly called allegations “spurious” and “categorically untrue.” The dispute comes amid a deadlock in the Security Council over a successor to Antonio Guterres and adds pressure on the selection process. Critics also note potential conflicts of interest regarding the Israel-Palestine peace process, given the UAE’s close ties with Israel since the Abraham Accords.