Why Kenya's backing of UAE's UN candidate is stirring controversy

Kenya’s has expressed support for United Arab Emirates (UAE) diplomat Lana Nusseibeh in the race for United Nations secretary-general, sparking debate over African solidarity, and Nairobi’s growing ties with Abu Dhabi.

The controversy intensified after Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced Kenya’s support for Nusseibeh on X, citing her experience in multilateral diplomacy and service within the UN system.

In a post, Mudavadi wrote that Kenya welcomed her candidacy and looked forward to working with her to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and Africa.

But on Tuesday, October 27, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei denied that Kenya had formally endorsed any candidate, creating uncertainty over the government’s position.

“Quite to the contrary, Kenya has not expressed support for any candidate at this point,” Sing’oei said, adding that Nairobi was following the campaigns and remained confident that a suitable candidate would receive its backing.

“We are confident that a candidate with the capacity to lead the UN at this critical juncture will not only receive our support but that of the majority of Members of the UN.”

The conflicting statements have  since raised questions about whether the government had settled on a candidate before the Sing’oei’s clarification.

One of the main concerns is why Kenya would support a candidate from the Gulf region when her neighbor Uganda has nominated veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu, an East African contender in the race.

Kenya’s reported backing of Nusseibeh has also prompted questions about whether Nairobi is prioritising its bilateral relationship with the UAE over a coordinated African position on global leadership.

The UAE-RSF link

The issue is more-so sensitive because of allegations linking the UAE to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces in a war that began in April 2023.

Sudanese authorities, UN monitors and other international actors have accused the UAE of supplying weapons and other support to the RSF. The allegations have drawn renewed attention amid reports of arms and logistical networks linked to the paramilitary group.

A UN panel of experts previously investigated how ammunition exported to the UAE ended up in a supply convoy linked to the RSF. The UAE has repeatedly denied arming or supporting the group, saying it is focused on humanitarian assistance and efforts to end the conflict.

The Sudan war has caused widespread displacement, destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis, with civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting.

Nusseibeh’s candidacy has consequently drawn scrutiny over whether the UAE’s foreign policy record could affect perceptions of her suitability to lead the UN. Critics argue that the next secretary-general must be able to act independently and address international conflicts impartially.

Nusseibeh served as the UAE’s ambassador to the UN from 2013 to 2024 and brings extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. Her supporters point to her diplomatic record and role in UN negotiations as strengths in a contest that requires support across competing global powers.

Her candidacy, however, has brought renewed attention to the UAE’s role in Sudan, with questions over how other member states would view a secretary-general from a country accused of supporting one side in an ongoing conflict.

Kenya’s reported backing has now also attracted criticism against the backdrop of its growing economic ties with the UAE.

In January 2025, President William Ruto and the UAE president presided over the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement drew criticism from pharmaceutical distributors and health advocates, who raised concerns that some of its provisions could weaken local safeguards and affect access to affordable medicines.

Against this backdrop, some Kenyans have questioned what Nairobi stands to gain from supporting an Emirati candidate. Critics now warn against a foreign policy they say appears driven by bilateral economic interests rather than broader regional priorities.

Reactions on social media this week were divided. Some users welcomed Nusseibeh’s candidacy and the prospect of a woman becoming the UN’s next secretary-general.

“I too endorse Lana Nusseibeh as the first woman UN SG,” one user wrote on X.

Others criticised the reported decision to back a UAE candidate instead of Uganda’s Otunnu.

“Kenya not supporting Uganda’s candidate say a lot about failure of pan-Africanism,” wrote X user @KampalaStreets.

Another user, @SandeZack, said: “I do not support anyone from UAE, who are currently supporting the genocide in Sudan, as well as heavily involved in destabilising Africa.”

@HananAIshafia also questioned Kenya’s position, saying: “Of course you will not endorse your African candidate, rather, you will support your partner who are responsible from Darfur genocide besides you who helped Hemedti’s mission which swept native Sudanese from their land.”

The comments reflect concerns among netizens about Kenya’s commitment to regional solidarity and allegations of UAE involvement in Sudan. The UAE has repeatedly denied supporting the RSF.

PS Sing’oei’s clarification that Kenya had not formally endorsed any candidate has not entirely dispelled the controversy. The criticism has largely centred on Mudavadi’s initial announcement, while the government’s final position remains unclear.

The UN Sec-Gen race

Other candidates gunning of the top UN post include Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Argentina’s Rafael Mariano Grossi, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Uganda’s Olara Otunnu, Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki and María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, nominated by Antigua and Barbuda. Burundi’s nomination of former Senegalese President Macky Sall was withdrawn on October 20.

The next UN secretary-general will be appointed by the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. The council’s five permanent members namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United State, each hold veto power, making broad diplomatic acceptability crucial to the selection process.

For Kenya, the debate presents a diplomatic balancing act. Stronger relations with the UAE offer economic and strategic opportunities, but Nairobi must also weigh its regional relationships and its position on peace, security and accountability.