New York, United States (Running Africa) — The United States has not issued a visa to Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ahead of his planned appearance at the UN General Assembly, prompting Sudan to seek intervention from the United Nations.
Sudan’s UN ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith, raised the matter with UN Secretary-General António Guterres after Burhan did not receive a visa for the 81st session of the General Assembly.
Guterres said the UN Secretariat was engaging with US authorities over the issue.
Sudan Visa Dispute Linked to Ceasefire Proposal
Sudanese and Western sources cited in international media reports have linked the visa issue to a US-backed proposal for a 90-day ceasefire in Sudan’s war.
The proposal seeks a temporary halt to fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sudan’s army has resisted the proposal, arguing that a ceasefire could give the RSF an opportunity to regroup.
US authorities have not publicly confirmed that Burhan’s visa situation is connected to Khartoum’s position on the proposed ceasefire.
Sudan War Continues More Than Three Years After Fighting Began
Sudan’s conflict erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between forces led by Burhan and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.
The fighting has since displaced millions of people and triggered a severe humanitarian emergency.
The United Nations has described Sudan as the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crisis as fighting continues in parts of the country.
Sudan Foreign Minister Could Address UN
Burhan has addressed the UN General Assembly twice since the conflict began.
If the visa issue prevents him from traveling to New York, Sudan’s foreign minister is expected to deliver the country’s address instead.
The UN General Assembly high-level period runs from September 18 to 28.
The visa dispute comes as international efforts continue to secure a ceasefire and expand humanitarian access in Sudan, with the SAF and RSF remaining divided over the terms of any agreement.
