Diplomatic Row Between South Sudan and the United States

The Government of South Sudan has issued an apology to the American Government for a recent diplomatic dispute. The row erupted when South Sudan refused to accept a deportee from the U.S., who was later found to be a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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Background of the Dispute

On April 6, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would revoke visas for South Sudanese passport holders. This decision was made because the South Sudanese government refused to receive citizens who were expelled from the U.S. However, it was later discovered that the individual in question, who presented a South Sudanese travel document under the name Nimeri Garang, was actually a Congolese national named Makula Kintu.

Resolution of the Dispute

After the U.S. revoked visas for South Sudanese passport holders, South Sudan backpedaled on its decision and allowed Kintu to enter the country on April 9. The Government of South Sudan has since expressed its respect and appreciation for the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in enforcing U.S. immigration policy.

Commitment to Cooperation

In a statement issued by Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, the Government of South Sudan apologized for any inconvenience caused to the United States and reiterated its desire to resolve the issue swiftly and in a spirit of cooperation. The statement also highlighted the country’s commitment to maintaining warm and constructive engagement with the United States across all areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, regional security, oil production, and strategic cooperation on critical minerals.

Trade and Cooperation

Vice President Bol also offered a trade incentive to placate the U.S. Government, similar to the approach taken by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi. The Government of South Sudan expressed its willingness to work with the United States to secure access to strategic resources vital to both economies and national security.

Delegation to the United States

The Government of South Sudan will dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C. to engage directly with U.S. officials on the matter of repatriating approximately 137 South Sudanese nationals currently subject to deportation orders from the United States. The delegation will be led by prominent government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Planning, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, and the Director General of the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport and Immigration.

Conclusion

The diplomatic row between South Sudan and the United States has been resolved, with the Government of South Sudan apologizing for the incident and committing to cooperate with the U.S. Government to facilitate the deportation of its citizens. The country has also expressed its willingness to work with the United States on trade and strategic cooperation, and a high-level delegation will be sent to Washington, D.C. to discuss the repatriation of South Sudanese nationals. The incident highlights the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in resolving international disputes and maintaining positive relationships between nations.