South Sudan Rejects US Visa Ban Over Mistaken Nationality Case
Juba, South Sudan – Tensions have flared between South Sudan and the United States after Washington imposed a visa ban on all South Sudanese nationals, citing the country’s failure to repatriate deported citizens. South Sudan, however, insists the measure stems from a case of mistaken identity.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Saturday, stating that South Sudan’s refusal to accept deportees prompted the suspension of all visa issuance and entry rights for its citizens.
But South Sudan’s foreign ministry swiftly responded, saying the deported individual was not one of its nationals but rather a Congolese citizen mistakenly identified as South Sudanese. The ministry said it had returned the individual to the US and provided evidence to American officials supporting its claim.
“This blanket action, based on a misidentification, is both regrettable and unjustified,” the statement read.
US Officials Dismiss Explanation
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau dismissed the explanation as “legally irrelevant,” arguing that South Sudan’s embassy in Washington had certified the man as a national, thus binding the government to that determination.
“It is unacceptable and irresponsible for South Sudanese government officials to second-guess the determination of their own embassy,” Landau said.
South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth countered, accusing the US of “attempting to find faults” and infringing on South Sudan’s sovereignty, stating that no country can be forced to accept foreign deportees without due verification.
Background and Political Tensions
This is the first blanket visa ban targeting an entire nationality under President Donald Trump’s second term, which has been defined by promises of mass deportations and stricter immigration enforcement.
The incident comes amid rising political instability in South Sudan. The arrest of First Vice-President Riek Machar has stoked fears of renewed civil war, undermining the fragile peace deal signed in 2018.
In March, the US also ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from South Sudan due to escalating conflict in parts of the country.
South Sudanese TPS at Risk
South Sudanese nationals currently in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) now face uncertainty, with their protections set to expire by 3 May 2025.
This diplomatic spat not only threatens bilateral ties but could also further destabilize an already fragile region battling post-conflict reconstruction and internal political rifts.
