US Reportedly Denies Visa to Sudan’s Burhan Ahead of UN Address

The United States has reportedly refused to issue Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a visa to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Sudanese and Western sources said Washington linked the visa to al-Burhan’s acceptance of a 90-day ceasefire. The reported condition comes as diplomatic efforts continue to end Sudan’s war and relations between Washington and Khartoum deteriorate.

UN raises concern

Al-Burhan was scheduled to address the General Assembly on Wednesday. Sudan’s ambassador to the United Nations urged the world body to intervene, saying the visa decision prevented the country’s leader from taking part in person.

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN chief was “deeply concerned” that the visa had not been issued. The spokesperson also said Guterres was engaging with Washington over the matter.

An unnamed diplomatic source described the withholding of the entry permit as a “violation of the UN’s agreement with the US.” The source material does not identify the officials or diplomats who provided the reports, and no direct US government confirmation of the visa refusal was provided.

Possible alternative speaker

Sudan’s foreign minister was reported as a possible alternative speaker at the General Assembly, although it was not confirmed that the minister would address the gathering in al-Burhan’s place.

Al-Burhan has addressed the General Assembly twice since the conflict began. His army has been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since 2023.

The reported standoff risks adding to tensions between Washington and Khartoum while international efforts to secure a ceasefire remain under way.