US visa row shines spotlight on Al Burhan’s legitimacy, Sudan expert says

The US has withheld a visa for Sudanese Armed Forces chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan ahead of his scheduled appearance at the UN General Assembly, sparking questions about his legitimacy as Sudan's leader, according to a Sudan expert. The US State Department argues that neither Al Burhan, the RSF led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo, nor their respective governments represent legitimate governance in Sudan.

The Sudanese government rejects this stance, insisting that any peace initiative must respect Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, without foreign interference. Expert Khaled Omar clarifies that Al Burhan's role as army chief does not automatically confer the constitutional authority to represent Sudan at the UN. He emphasizes that Al Burhan seized power in a disputed 2021 military coup, which the AU suspended Sudan's membership for, further casting doubt on his legitimacy.

While the dispute over Al Burhan's legitimacy is ongoing, the expert notes that it extends to the international community, given the war's impact on Sudan and the world. The expert also points out that Al Burhan's mixed messages since receiving the US ceasefire proposal highlight his uncertainty. Omar argues that a ceasefire is the better option for Sudan, urging Al Burhan to align with the majority of Sudanese who favor peace.

The country has been engulfed in conflict for four years, displacing an estimated 14 million people, with the RSF controlling parts of Kordofan and Blue Nile, the SAF governing the capital and northern parts of Sudan, and each side maintaining its own government.