UN Chief Bid by UAE Minister Sparks Outrage Over Sudan War Role

Lana Nusseibeh, a senior UAE minister, is gaining support to become the next UN secretary general. Her candidacy has angered many Sudanese, who point to the UAE's role in their country's devastating war. Nusseibeh serves as minister of state and is a former UAE ambassador to the UN. Her bid for the top UN post is quickly collecting endorsements. For the past three years, the UAE has been linked to supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia in Sudan. According to human rights groups and media reports, this support includes sending mercenaries to fight alongside the RSF, smuggling weapons into Sudan, and taking over aid operations. The RSF is accused of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and widespread sexual violence. Critics argue that giving a UAE official the UN's top job would undermine the credibility of international institutions at a time when they are already under strain.