US Visa Denial for Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan Revives Debate Over Sudan Leadership Legitimacy

The decision by the US to withhold a visa from Sudanese Armed Forces chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan for the UN General Assembly has reignited debates regarding his disputed legitimacy as leader of the country, according to a Sudanese affairs expert. Gen Al Burhan was scheduled to address the General Assembly representing Sudan, but Washington blocked his visa as part of a US-supported push for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, which is led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo.

The State Department stated that neither the SAF, the RSF, nor their respective leaders represent legitimate or constitutional governance for Sudan. Meanwhile, the Sudanese government dismissed the US declaration, asserting that any peace initiative must uphold Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and legitimate national institutions, while demanding an end to negative foreign interference.

Khaled Omar, the Sudanese expert, informed Sky News Arabia that Gen Al Burhan’s position as army chief does not inherently grant him the constitutional power to represent Sudan at the UN. Pointing to the 2021 military coup that led the African Union to suspend Sudan's membership, the expert questioned Gen Al Burhan's status as head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, noting that his leadership remains heavily contested both domestically and internationally.

Mr Omar further explained that the US visa decision was designed to pressure the army chief into genuinely engaging with ceasefire efforts following what Washington perceived as contradictory messages and delays from Gen Al Burhan. The devastating conflict, now well into its fourth year, has displaced approximately 14 million people and sparked a severe humanitarian crisis, with the SAF and RSF currently controlling separate regions and administrations across the country.