The Burhan visa dispute has returned to the United Nations after Sudan’s military-aligned authorities called for action over a US decision that prevented the army chief from attending September’s General Assembly.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Port Sudan-based Sovereignty Council, did not receive a visa in time for the meeting in New York.
Now, representatives of the military-aligned administration want the UN to examine Washington’s responsibilities as the organisation’s host country.
Burhan visa dispute raised at UN committee
Sudanese diplomat Ammar Mohamed Mahmoud raised the issue on Friday, November 6, during a meeting of the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee.
He argued that the United States had failed to meet its obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement.
The agreement sets out rules governing the UN’s presence in New York, including access for member-state representatives.
Mahmoud also requested that the UN formally document the incident and share relevant diplomatic correspondence with member states.
In addition, he called for measures to prevent similar disputes.
Military-aligned authorities seek legal review
The Port Sudan-based administration wants UN Secretary-General António Guterres to consider a formal dispute-resolution process.
Its request refers to Section 21 of the Headquarters Agreement, which provides a mechanism for resolving certain disagreements over the agreement.
However, the request does not mean that legal proceedings have started.
The UN has not announced a decision on the latest appeal.
US visa decision linked to ceasefire talks
The dispute emerged during international efforts to secure a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan.
In September, Reuters reported that Washington had withheld Burhan’s visa amid disagreements over a proposed 90-day truce.
Sources familiar with the discussions said US officials had linked his attendance to acceptance of the ceasefire proposal.
However, the US State Department declined to comment directly on the visa decision.
At the time, Washington also said neither the SAF nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), or their leaders, represented legitimate constitutional governance in Sudan.
Meanwhile, the UN expressed concern over the visa issue and raised it with US authorities.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salim attended the General Assembly in Burhan’s place.
Diplomatic dispute unfolds amid Sudan war
Sudan’s war began in April 2023 following a power struggle between the SAF and RSF.
The conflict has displaced millions of people and created a severe humanitarian crisis.
Both sides continue to face international pressure to end the fighting and allow humanitarian assistance.
The latest visa dispute adds another challenge to diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict.
For now, the military-aligned authorities’ request remains before the UN, with no announced decision on further action.