Kenya has denied endorsing Lana Nusseibeh’s bid to lead the United Nations, clarifying its diplomatic stance as the race to succeed António Guterres accelerates under intense regional scrutiny, late-stage candidacies, and sharp divisions over Middle Eastern and African foreign policies.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei pushed back against the assertion, stating that the government had not declared support for any contender and was monitoring the ongoing campaigns. The diplomatic clarification from Nairobi arrived after a post on X claimed that Kenya had thrown its weight behind the United Arab Emirates nominee following a meeting between President William Ruto and Abu Dhabi’s top diplomat in Nairobi.
The race to succeed Guterres is taking shape with a streamlined field as the UN’s top job approaches a leadership transition. Guterres’s second term is set to conclude on December 31, with the successor assuming office on January 1.
I am standing to be Secretary-General because I believe this is a moment to act with greater urgency: to act earlier, bring people together across difference, and drive the work forward until it produces concrete results. That is how we rebuild trust in the United Nations and… pic.twitter.com/l9CyzWeHXH
Nusseibeh Enters the Deadlocked UN Succession Contest
Until her entry, leading vote-getters in the confidential ballots included former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan, former Guyanese foreign minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, each drawing eight or nine votes from the permanent members. The United Arab Emirates formally nominated Nusseibeh on October 21, 2026, adding a prominent late contender to a contest that had previously found itself deadlocked in Security Council straw polls.
Nusseibeh stepped down from her cabinet post as minister of state and her role as envoy to the UN and European Union to pursue the international office. Supporters point to her extensive multilateral resume, which includes serving as president of the UN Women executive board.
is an experienced, highly effective and well-respected diplomat, with an approach focusing on dialogue, compromise and tangible outcomes, while also having a strong track record in
Constantinos Kombos, Cypriot Foreign Affairs Minister
Gulf States Rally Behind the UAE Bid
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi announced that member states had unanimously endorsed the nomination, attributing the support to shared regional alignment. Additional endorsements arrived from western diplomats and figures associated with past U.S. administrations, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation confirmed that its secretary-general had reviewed the candidate’s progress during a direct telephone conversation.
Dr. Sara Chehab, Academic Director of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, highlighted Nusseibeh’s diplomatic dexterity in advancing UN Security Council Resolution 2720 during the Gaza conflict in late 2023. Proponents of her candidacy emphasize her record in handling difficult negotiations. Nickolay Mladenov, high representative for Gaza under a US-backed Board of Peace, praised her persistence in complex diplomatic settings, noting that she does not give up when a room gets difficult.
Kenya Responds to Reports of Backing UAE Candidate for UN Secretary-General https://t.co/UaxrT6ETlg
Human Rights Critics Question Sudanese Policy Record
Critics have raised concerns over allegations that the UAE has provided military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Government officials in Abu Dhabi have denied those allegations. Despite securing swift institutional endorsements, Nusseibeh’s campaign has triggered sharp objections from human rights advocates and Sudanese commentators who point to Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy record.
Human rights defenders argue that elevating a senior government official from a state linked by monitors to the Sudan conflict would severely undermine the credibility of the United Nations. In addition, her background has drawn scrutiny over the Arabram accords normalizing relations with Israel, balancing her family’s historic roots in Jerusalem against her defense of regional integration agreements.
Security Council Contenders Face Final Vote Hurdles
In her published vision statement, Nusseibeh emphasizes practical reform, vowing to work for peace and stating that she believes this is a moment to act with greater urgency to bring people together across difference and drive the work forward until it produces concrete results.
With all seven initial contenders drawing at least two vetoes in recent straw polls, the diplomatic race remains wide open as member states weigh competing visions for international governance. To secure the post, any candidate must clear the 15-member Security Council with at least nine votes and zero vetoes from the permanent five members before the General Assembly casts a final vote.