Exclusive: UK leans towards backing UAE's Lana Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general

The United Kingdom is reportedly considering supporting Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh as the next United Nations secretary-general, Middle East Eye has learned. However, the UK's potential endorsement of Nusseibeh is mired in controversy due to the UAE's involvement in Sudan's civil war and its close ties with Israel.

Nusseibeh's candidacy has sparked criticism over the UAE's alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which have been accused of committing mass killings that the United Nations investigators have described as "the hallmarks of genocide." The UAE has vehemently denied these allegations.

Furthermore, Nusseibeh's candidacy has also drawn criticism due to the UAE's close ties with Israel, a matter that has not gone unnoticed by the British government, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The British government, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is reportedly leaning towards backing Nusseibeh's candidacy for the role, though a final decision has not been officially made.

Attempts by Middle East Eye to reach the British Foreign Office for comment on this matter have so far been unsuccessful.