Faith Nyasuguta
South Sudan is dispatching a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C.in an urgent diplomatic effort to defuse tensions following the U.S. decision to deport 137 South Sudanese nationals. The move comes after a diplomatic standoff that saw the United States suspend all visas for South Sudanese citizens, citing the government’s refusal to accept a deportee it claimed was not one of its own.
The delegation is led by Finance Minister Marial Dongrin Ater and includes the Governor of the Central Bank, Johnny Ohisa Damian, and Elia Kosta Faustino, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport, and Immigration. Their goal is to coordinate with U.S. authorities to ensure a legal, orderly, and dignified repatriation process for those affected.
This diplomatic outreach follows a serious breakdown in cooperation between the two nations. Tensions escalated when South Sudan declined to accept one deportee, arguing that he was actually a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The U.S. responded with sweeping visa restrictions, affecting South Sudanese officials, students, and other travelers.
In a recent statement, South Sudan’s government apologized for the confusion and labeled the initial refusal as a “regrettable and isolated” incident. The office of Vice President Bol Mel emphasized the country’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with Washington and acknowledged its responsibility to address the issue swiftly.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has remained heavily reliant on foreign aid and international partnerships, especially from the United States, one of its largest donors. The visa ban posed a serious threat to that relationship, raising concerns about increased isolation and reduced international support.
The current situation also reflects broader concerns around identity documentation and citizenship verification in South Sudan, where record-keeping systems remain weak. The government has pledged to improve these systems to avoid future disputes.
As the delegation prepares to meet with officials from the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, the stakes are high. A successful resolution could help rebuild trust and preserve essential diplomatic and development cooperation.
Observers hope the visit will restore calm and open a new chapter of mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations. For now, both governments appear willing to engage constructively in pursuit of a fair and diplomatic outcome.
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