The United States has reportedly denied Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, a visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Al-Burhan, whose army has been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since 2023, was scheduled to address the assembly on Wednesday.

Sudanese and Western sources said Washington linked the visa to al-Burhan’s acceptance of a 90-day ceasefire.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the situation and said he was engaging with Washington on the issue. A diplomatic source described the visa denial as a possible violation of the UN’s agreement with the US.

The dispute comes amid strained US-Sudan relations and international efforts to end the conflict. Sudan’s foreign minister may deliver the country’s address instead of al-Burhan.