The United States has seemingly withheld a visa for Sudan’s army chief and de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, ahead of his scheduled appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to both Sudanese and Western sources, this visa decision is tied to a proposed 90-day ceasefire aimed at halting the conflict between Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Burhan was expected to speak at the high-level session of the UN General Assembly. Per Reuters, a Sudanese diplomatic source and a Western analyst privy to the discussions indicated that issuing the visa seemed contingent on Burhan accepting the ceasefire proposal suggested by US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos.
Sudan Seeks UN Intervention
Sudan’s UN ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith, has requested UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene regarding the visa issue.
In his letter to Guterres, the Sudanese envoy contended that the visa denial would hinder Sudan’s head of state from directly participating in the General Assembly’s activities.
The UN has confirmed that the issue has been brought up with US authorities.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that Guterres is “deeply concerned” about the reportedly undelivered visa and that discussions with Washington are ongoing.
Ceasefire Proposal at Center of Dispute
The condition reportedly linked to the visa concerns a 90-day ceasefire proposal meant to provide a break in Sudan’s hostilities.
Previously, Sudan’s army expressed skepticism about the proposal.
Burhan has also resisted external attempts to impose conditions on the Sudanese military, arguing that previous ceasefires allowed the RSF and its allies time to regroup.
The United States has been engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, collaborating with regional countries via the Quad process.
Ongoing Sudan War
Clashes between Sudan’s army and the RSF broke out in April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Burhan has led Sudan since 2019 and has represented the country at the UN General Assembly during previous sessions, including amidst ongoing conflicts.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, heads the RSF, which has set up a rival governing body as the conflict persists.
The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and improved humanitarian access.
Foreign Minister May Represent Sudan
With Burhan’s visa status unresolved, reports suggest Sudan’s foreign minister might represent the country at the General Assembly instead.
The situation introduces another tension point between Washington and Sudan’s military leadership amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Neither the US State Department nor Sudan’s military gave an immediate response to Reuters’ requests for comment.
