UN candidate Lana Nusseibeh says Sudan's RSF must answer for 'atrocities'

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh has vowed to ensure Sudan's Rapid Support Forces face justice for "atrocities" committed during the ongoing civil war, should she be elected as the next UN secretary general. She expressed her commitment to backing UN fact-finding missions into the conflict, which has raged since April 2023, and called for an end to the fighting that has put civilians and humanitarian workers at risk.

Nusseibeh, who is campaigning for the UN leadership position, stated that the conflict's end must be guided by the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people. She acknowledged that both the RSF and the rival Sudanese Armed Forces have been accused of grave wrongdoing in the war. Her stance on accountability aligns with recent UN reports highlighting the RSF's involvement in drone strikes that have killed civilians and destroyed homes and shelters.

In an effort to secure a ceasefire, the United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have been leading the negotiations. Nusseibeh has been active in these talks while serving as the UAE's ambassador to the UN, taking a leave of absence to focus on her UN candidacy. She has garnered support from Gulf countries and others, emphasizing her vision for generational change and UN reform with clearer priorities.

As the first woman and second Arab to run for UN secretary general, Nusseibeh would hold the historic position if elected.