US delays visa for Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan over ceasefire plan

The United States is currently withholding an entry visa for Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, preventing his travel to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The delay occurs just days before Burhan was scheduled to address the assembly on Thursday.

According to diplomatic and analytical reports, the issuance of the visa is contingent upon Burhan agreeing to sign a 90-day ceasefire proposal. This peace plan was introduced by Massad Boulos, a senior advisor for Arab and African affairs. Sudan’s army had previously expressed reservations regarding the terms of this proposal earlier in the summer.

In response to the visa delay, Sudan’s UN Ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith, has sent a formal letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The letter requests the immediate intervention of the United Nations to ensure the visa is granted, arguing that the current situation prevents a head of state from participating in the work of the global body.

The impasse marks a significant decline in relations between the United States and Sudan. The two nations have been in conflict since war broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

As of now, neither the United States State Department nor Sudanese authorities have provided an official comment regarding the status of the visa or the ongoing negotiations. The situation remains unresolved as the date for the scheduled address approaches.