UN chief regrets US visa delay for Sudan’s Burhan, warns of regional spillover
September 24, 2026 (NEW YORK) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced regret on Thursday over the United States’ failure to fulfil its obligations as U.N. host country, which delayed granting an entry visa to Sudanese Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a Sudanese diplomatic statement said.
The visa holdup prevented Burhan from attending and delivering a planned address at the high-level U.N. General Assembly gathering in New York.
Burhan had been scheduled to speak before world leaders on Thursday. Washington, however, did not issue the travel document, later saying it withdrew recognition of his ruling authority after efforts to secure a humanitarian ceasefire in the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces collapsed.
War erupted between the two sides in April 2023, displacing millions and creating the world’s largest hunger crisis.
Guterres met on the sidelines of the General Assembly with Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim.
The U.N. chief’s office did not reference the visa dispute in its official readout of the meeting, focusing instead on the escalating violence and regional fallout.
“The Secretary-General expressed deep concern regarding the conflict, which continues to have a devastating impact on civilians and risks further regional spillover,” the U.N. readout said.
Guterres also “highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation and stressed the importance of ensuring humanitarian access in all areas of need” while calling for a cessation of hostilities and an inclusive political process, according to the readout.
Salim briefed Guterres on the situation in Sudan and reiterated Khartoum’s readiness to cooperate with international humanitarian agencies to ease aid convoys, Sudan’s foreign ministry said.
Guterres welcomed Sudanese efforts to facilitate relief supplies and urged both warring factions to pursue dialogue to end the conflict, the ministry added.