US Withholds Visa for Sudan's De Facto Leader Ahead of UN Appearance

The United States is withholding a visa for Sudan's de facto leader, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, ahead of his scheduled appearance at the United Nations General Assembly.

Al-Burhan has led Sudan's military-aligned government since fighting broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a conflict that has caused widespread displacement and humanitarian suffering across the country.

The decision to withhold the visa prevents al-Burhan from addressing the General Assembly in person during this year's session, though the reasons behind the US decision were not fully detailed.

Separately, Ghana has moved to strengthen its national drugs authority following major narcotics seizures in France, Belgium and South Africa, as authorities in the region look to tighten enforcement against drug trafficking networks.

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast has entered its back-to-school season, with families across the country preparing for the start of the new academic year.

The developments were reported together as part of a roundup of news from across Africa and the wider international community, reflecting a mix of diplomatic, security and social stories from the region.