The UAE has so much blood on its hands in Sudan. For its nominee to lead the UN would be an outrage | Nesrine Malik

The proposed appointment of Lana Nusseibeh as UN secretary-general has ignited global controversy, particularly among Sudanese communities devastated by their country's brutal civil war. Nusseibeh, currently serving as UAE minister of state and former ambassador to the UN, has seen her candidacy gain significant momentum despite mounting evidence implicating her country in fueling Sudan's conflict.

UAE's alleged Sudan strategy

For the past three years, the UAE has been accused of supporting Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which faces allegations of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and sexual violence. Investigations suggest the UAE facilitated mercenaries to fight alongside the RSF and repurposed international aid infrastructure to smuggle weapons into the conflict zone.

The UAE has in essence fuelled the conflict by aggressively sponsoring one side from the start

International condemnation mounts

The UAE's role in Sudan's war has drawn years of media investigations, human rights activism, and political condemnation. Two US congressmen called for ending all associations with the UAE over its "abetting genocide," while UK authorities faced complaints regarding Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAE deputy prime minister and Manchester City owner, based on "abundance of evidence" of UAE involvement.

Sudan's strategic location, Red Sea coastline, and gold reserves appear to have drawn the UAE's "predatory eye," with the wealthy nation using its resources to gain geopolitical influence in Africa despite facing accusations of war crimes.

Victims' reactions

During a visit to a refugee camp in Chad, Nusseibeh was confronted by a Sudanese man who rejected her aid, insisting: "If the UAE wants to help, it should stop interfering and stoking the war." Another refugee refused assistance, stating: The UAE killed my brothers. Such personal testimonies underscore the deep trauma caused by the conflict.

Critics argue that appointing Nusseibeh, who has been "the face of the UAE's Sudan strategy," would represent a slap in the face to millions suffering and effectively "a green light to the prolonging of conflict" in Sudan.