Sudan Slams U.S. Over Burhan Visa Dispute at UN General Assembly

NEW YORK — Sudan’s Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim has criticized the United States for failing to issue a visa to Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to attend the United Nations General Assembly, while calling for an end to foreign involvement in Sudan’s war.

Ibrahim addressed the UN General Assembly on Monday in place of Burhan, who had been scheduled to represent Sudan at the high-level session. The United States had withheld Burhan’s visa amid a dispute over a proposed ceasefire aimed at stopping the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudan Demands End to Foreign Military Support

In his address, Ibrahim argued that a lasting settlement would require an end to what Sudan describes as continued foreign intervention.

He called for the flow of weapons, ammunition and foreign fighters into Sudan to stop, and said weapons should ultimately remain under state control.

The remarks come as international investigations and diplomatic efforts continue to examine the role of external networks in supplying the forces involved in the conflict. A recent UN-backed investigation found that foreign support networks have provided fighters, weapons and military technology that have contributed to sustaining the war.

Visa Dispute Linked to Ceasefire Efforts

The dispute over Burhan’s visa has added tension to already difficult relations between Washington and Sudan’s military leadership.

Reuters reported that U.S. officials linked the visa issue to a proposed 90-day ceasefire, which Sudan’s military leadership opposed. Washington has also questioned the legitimacy of both sides of the conflict as governing authorities for Sudan.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres had expressed concern over the visa delay before the General Assembly, while urging progress toward ending the conflict and improving humanitarian access.

War Has Lasted Since April 2023

Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the army and the RSF since April 2023.

The fighting has displaced millions of people and created a major humanitarian crisis across the country and neighbouring states. UN agencies have continued to warn about deteriorating humanitarian conditions and increasing pressure on aid operations.

The African Union has also called for a sustainable ceasefire, protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process.

Sudan Calls for State Control of Weapons

Ibrahim's comments reflect Khartoum's broader position that Sudan's long-term stability requires the disarmament of non-state armed groups and the concentration of weapons under state authority.

However, the competing military and political positions surrounding the conflict remain a major obstacle to a negotiated settlement. International mediators continue to push for a cessation of hostilities and a political process aimed at ending the war.

For Sudanese civilians, the conflict continues to carry severe humanitarian consequences as diplomatic efforts seek a pathway toward a lasting ceasefire and political transition.