US visa clash exposes Sudan’s forgotten war as foreign powers compete for strategic foothold

Sudan's military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, defied a U.S.-backed ceasefire push after Washington withheld his visa for the UN General Assembly, highlighting a growing rift over the ongoing war. The U.S. State Department accused both Burhan's forces and the rival RSF of failing to commit to a truce and deemed their leaders ineligible to govern. Burhan's advisor disputed this, stating Sudan submitted technical comments on the proposal, not a rejection. The conflict, which began in April 2023, is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and has become a regional struggle for influence, with foreign powers providing support to warring factions. The UN also questioned the U.S. visa decision, emphasizing the need to stop the killing and secure a cessation of hostilities.

Reports indicate the United States has withheld a visa from Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, preventing his participation in the UN General Assembly. This action is reportedly intended to pressure al-Burhan into accepting a 90-day ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023. Sudanese activists and journalists have criticized the US for using visa access as political leverage, while Sudan's UN ambassador has requested UN intervention. The UN Secretariat has urged the US, as the host country, to issue visas in accordance with its obligations. The US State Department has also questioned the legitimacy of Sudan's current leadership. Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for engagement based on respect for the country's sovereignty.