South Sudan has reversed its stance and agreed to accept a Congolese national deported from the United States, a decision aimed at resolving a diplomatic dispute that led Washington to revoke all US visas for South Sudanese citizens.
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke the visas came after accusing Juba of refusing to repatriate its deported citizens, alleging that South Sudan was “taking advantage of the United States.”
Initially, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed the issue to the US deporting a Congolese national to Juba under a false identity, resulting in the individual being sent back to the US.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the ministry announced its decision to allow the Congolese national entry into South Sudan, citing “friendly relations” with the United States. They have instructed Juba’s international airport authorities to facilitate his arrival on April 9.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the US on deportation matters, stating they will support the return of verified South Sudanese nationals. They also confirmed they have instructed their embassy in Washington to expedite travel documents for 21 out of the 23 individuals the US wishes to deport.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, faces ongoing instability and security challenges. Recent clashes and the house arrest of Vice President Riek Machar have strained the 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to end a devastating civil war.
