US Denies Visa to Sudan's De Facto Leader

The United States has denied a visa to Sudan’s de facto leader and army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, preventing him from addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Diplomatic sources reported that Washington conditioned the visa on Burhan accepting a three-month truce with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a demand the Sudanese government rejected over fears the RSF would regroup.

Addressing the situation, US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that neither belligerent faction represents legitimate governance, adding that Washington will “seek to raise the cost of continued conflict on all belligerents.”

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The visa denial sparked criticism from diplomats and the United Nations, who labelled it a breach of the UN Headquarters Agreement that protects member state representatives from U.S. travel restrictions.

US denies visa to Sudan's de facto leader (News Central TV) — Sudan’s de facto leader and army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Credit: Reuters

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary-General António Guterres remains “deeply concerned” and urged the host country to honour its legal obligations.

With Burhan barred from attending, Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem represents Sudan at the assembly as fighting continues in a war that has claimed over 200,000 lives and displaced millions.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.