Former Refugee Barham Salih to Lead UNHCR Amidst Escalating Crisis in Sudan
In an unprecedented move, Barham Salih, a former refugee and ex-Iraqi president, has been elected to lead the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as reported by Corriere della Sera and Clarin. Salih's appointment comes at a critical time when the world faces more conflicts, fewer resources, and growing anti-refugee sentiment. This development is particularly significant given the escalating crisis in Sudan, which has been marked by human rights violations, regional power plays, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
New Leadership amid Growing Challenges
Salih, who fled Iraq during Saddam Hussein's regime, will take over from Filippo Grandi in January. His election signals a momentous shift as he becomes the first former refugee to lead the UNHCR. His personal experience and understanding of the refugee plight are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the agency's work.
Salih faces a series of challenges, including the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The country has been ravaged by civil war, leading to a surge in displaced persons and an escalating humanitarian crisis. This situation is described by the Deutsche Welle as the 'worst crisis' of 2025.
Sudan's Civil War: A Tangled Web of Regional Interests
The civil war in Sudan has exceeded its borders, warns Kholood Khair, a political analyst specializing in Sudan, in Le Monde. Neighboring states, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, are allegedly exploiting Sudan's instability, pushing the country towards disintegration.
The UAE's role in the Sudan war has gained international attention, with a billboard in central London highlighting this connection, as reported by the Middle East Eye.
BBC Analysis Editor, Ros Atkins, has also examined allegations of links between the UAE and Sudan's RSF in the civil war. These allegations underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Reactions
The situation in Kordofan, a strategically central region in Sudan, has worsened, according to Al Jazeera English. The US has called for a ceasefire, warning that all involved will face lasting condemnation.
The death of a UN staff member in South Sudan, under unclear circumstances, has heightened tensions between the local government and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), per AllAfrica.com. This incident underlines the precarious situation faced by humanitarian workers amidst the ongoing conflict.
Looking Ahead
Salih's leadership will be tested as he guides the UNHCR through these challenging times. As a former refugee himself, his appointment represents a beacon of hope for the millions displaced by conflict worldwide. His experience and understanding of refugee issues will be crucial in renewing the spirit of solidarity and protection that the UNHCR was founded upon 75 years ago.