Khartoum:Sudan's Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared that the nation would not bow to 'pressure or blackmail' after the United States denied him a visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.

According to Anadolu Agency, Burhan addressed a gathering at Khartoum Stadium for the launch of the 'We Have Not Forgotten You' initiative, aimed at supporting the health sector, which saw participation from content creators and athletes.

Burhan emphasized that Sudan would maintain its independence and not succumb to external pressures, asserting, "Sudan will not respond to any pressure or blackmail, and its voice will remain loud." He further stated that the Sudanese people could not be intimidated and would not compromise their dignity.

He praised the youth for their initiative, stating that their efforts demonstrated the country's resilience and determination to 'bow to no one.' Burhan reiterated his commitment to defeating the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been in conflict with the army since April 2023.

Burhan also remarked on the visa issue, insisting that Sudan did not require permission to visit any country. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the visa denial.

In a separate development, Sudan's government dismissed a US State Department statement from September 22, which questioned the legitimacy of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The government reaffirmed its commitment to national sovereignty and called for a positive engagement from Washington.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.