South Sudan Government Apologizes To The U.S. Over Deportation Incident, Plans Delegation Visit To Washington

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

The South Sudanese government has issued an apology to the United States for a diplomatic incident involving the deportation of a Congolese national, signaling a desire to mend relations and expedite the repatriation of its citizens.

On April 6, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa revocations for holders of South Sudanese passports due to the government’s refusal to accept the return of citizens expelled from the U.S.

The following day, South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Apuk Ayuel Mayen, clarified that the individual presented as a South Sudanese national was actually Makula Kintu, a Congolese citizen. Kintu was subsequently returned to the U.S. when it was established he did not qualify for entry into South Sudan.

In response to increasing pressure, South Sudan reversed its stance, and Kintu was allowed to enter Juba on April 9, coinciding with the issuance of visa revocations for South Sudanese nationals.

In a press release issued by Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, the South Sudanese government expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their ongoing commitment to enforcing American immigration policies.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused the United States and reaffirm our commitment to resolve the matter urgently and collaboratively,” the statement noted.

The diplomatic rift stemmed from the case of Makula Kintu, whose deportation created tensions between the two nations.

To mitigate the fallout, Vice President Bol highlighted South Sudan’s readiness to enhance trade relations, echoing a recent offer by Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi for U.S. access to minerals in exchange for assistance in stabilizing his country.

“President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit is dedicated to fostering a constructive relationship with the United States across various sectors, including trade, investment, regional security, oil production, and strategic cooperation on essential minerals,” Vice President Bol stated.

“South Sudan stands ready to be a partner with the U.S. in securing access to resources critical to both our economies and national security.”

The South Sudanese government plans to send a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C., in the coming days to address the issue of approximately 137 South Sudanese nationals currently facing deportation orders from the United States.

The delegation will include Hon. Marial Dongrin Ater, Minister of Finance and Planning; Hon. Johnny Ohisa DAMIAN, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan; and Mr. Elia Kosta FAUSTINO, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport, and Immigration (DCRNPI). They will work closely with officials from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate a smooth, legal, and dignified return process.

“The government of South Sudan acknowledges the seriousness and urgency of this matter. The incident involving Mr. Kintu was unfortunate and isolated, and we have implemented internal measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the statement concluded.