SOUTH SUDAN: Congolese Deportee Granted Entry Into South Sudan

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

After a period of diplomatic tension, South Sudan has reversed its initial decision regarding the entry of Makula Kintu, a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who has been at the center of a contentious standoff between the South Sudanese government and the United States. Kintu will now be permitted to enter the country immediately.

At a spontaneous press conference on Tuesday, South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, announced the government’s decision, highlighting the importance of maintaining cordial relations with the United States. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation officially informs the public about the recent decision concerning an individual who was deported from the United States and subsequently denied entry at Juba International Airport on April 5 and 6, 2025,” she stated. “In acknowledgment of our friendly ties with the United States, the Government of South Sudan has opted to grant Mr. Makula Kintu the necessary permission to enter the country.”

Ambassador Ayuel further emphasized that the government has directed relevant authorities at Juba International Airport to ensure a smooth arrival process for Mr. Kintu. She also reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to facilitating the return of verified South Sudanese nationals facing deportation from the United States.

Upon his arrival, Kintu was welcomed by several officials, including the Director General of Immigration, the Director of Consular Services, representatives from the American and Caribbean Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and officials from the American embassy.

In response to developments surrounding Kintu’s entry, Patrick Heinisch from the U.S. State Department took to Twitter, suggesting that the United States may reconsider its visa restrictions on South Sudan given this positive turn of events.