Members of the Sudanese diaspora and international human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition to the United Arab Emirates' nomination of Lana Nusseibeh for a top UN position. Critics cite Nusseibeh's repeated denials of accusations that the UAE is fueling the ongoing war in Sudan by supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UAE put forward Nusseibeh, the country's former representative to the UN, as a candidate to replace Secretary General António Guterres, whose second term concludes this year. This nomination has disrupted a previously gridlocked selection process.

Human rights groups and various observers have documented evidence over several years suggesting UAE support for the RSF. This paramilitary group faces accusations of committing atrocities during its conflict with the Sudanese army, including a significant attack on El Fasher in October 2025, which the UN described as having "hallmarks of genocide."

Nusseibeh has consistently echoed the UAE's official stance, which includes blanket denials of these allegations. Hala al-Karib, a Sudanese activist for pro-democracy and women's rights and regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, stated that Nusseibeh lacks a history of independent action separate from her country's involvement in Sudan. Al-Karib warned that the security council's endorsement of Nusseibeh would effectively amount to a denial of the genocidal acts attributed to the RSF in El Fasher.

Further criticism emerged during a virtual briefing organized by the human rights advocacy group Avaaz. Ibrahim Alduma, a co-founder of the human rights organization Sudan Action Hub and a native of El Fasher, expressed concerns that Nusseibeh's potential success would erode public trust in the United Nations. He questioned how the UN could effectively advocate for the rights of those on the ground if such a candidate were to be appointed.

Nusseibeh has stated she has taken a leave of absence from her ministerial role in the UAE to ensure she is "mindful of the obligations of independence" required by the UN position. However, critics argue this move does not sufficiently address her past reflections of the UAE's official denials regarding its role in Sudan.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which escalated significantly in April 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and widespread reports of violence and human rights abuses. The international community's attention remains focused on accountability for alleged war crimes and the potential for external support to prolong the conflict.

This situation raises critical questions about the UN's vetting process for senior positions and its ability to maintain impartiality when nominees come from countries involved in ongoing international conflicts. The stance taken by the UN Security Council on Nusseibeh's candidacy is expected to have significant implications for the organization's credibility and its efforts to address the crisis in Sudan.