US ties Sudanese army leader's UN visa to ceasefire plan, sources say

The United States is withholding a visa for Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a move that sources say is tied to a US-backed ceasefire proposal that Khartoum has resisted. This dispute risks exacerbating tensions between Washington and Sudan's army amid the ongoing civil war, which the UN describes as the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Burhan had postponed his trip to New York, and a senior Sudanese source expressed regret, calling the action a violation of the UN Convention and international law. Sudan's UN ambassador has appealed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to intervene, arguing that preventing Burhan's attendance violates UN obligations to member states. US officials have reportedly made Burhan's attendance contingent on his agreement to a 90-day ceasefire proposed by US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos. The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The impasse marks a low point in US-Sudan relations since the conflict began in April 2023. Sudan's army had voiced reservations about the proposed ceasefire in July, with Burhan reportedly rejecting a "take-it-or-leave-it approach." The Sudanese diplomatic source stated that any proposal is subject to suggestions and changes. The UN spokesperson confirmed the Secretary-General's concern and engagement with the US on the issue. Burhan has been Sudan's de facto leader since 2019, though recognition was withdrawn by some Western powers after a 2021 coup. The war has resulted in what the UN calls the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with a rival government set up by RSF head Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo struggling for legitimacy. The US has been involved in mediation efforts for the conflict. Burhan previously stated in an opinion piece that he would refuse external directives regarding the war.