UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the need for the U.S. to grant a visa to Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) chief General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan in time for him to participate in the UN General Assembly this week. Guterres expressed “deep concern” about the delay, as Al Burhan is slated to address world leaders at the annual gathering.
A statement from the UN specified that the Secretary-General urges the U.S. to fulfill its obligations under the headquarters agreement regarding visas for representatives of member states. The UN Secretariat has already raised this issue with U.S. authorities and continues to engage with them on the matter.
When asked about the visa situation, a U.S. State Department spokesperson refrained from commenting specifically on the case, citing policy on individual visa matters. The U.S., as host country, has specific obligations to ensure access for UN representatives, as their full participation is essential for the organization’s effective functioning.
