Introduction to the Situation
The relationship between South Sudan and the United States has been strained due to recent diplomatic issues. However, a significant development took place on Thursday, April 24, 2025, when Juba, South Sudan, received Emmanuel Makoi, a national who had been deported by the United States. This move is seen as a step towards renewed diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Background to the Conflict
The tension between South Sudan and the U.S. began when the Trump administration imposed visa sanctions on South Sudan. This decision was made after a controversy surrounding the deportation of Makula Kintu, who was carrying a South Sudanese travel document but was identified as a Congolese national. Despite being certified by South Sudan’s embassy in Washington, Kintu was rejected by immigration authorities in Juba on April 5. As a result, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed sweeping visa sanctions the following day.
Impact of the Visa Sanctions
The visa ban has had a significant impact on South Sudanese nationals living in the U.S. It is estimated that around 2,000 individuals, including students and Temporary Protected Status holders, have been affected. This has raised concerns about their legal status and future in the country. The South Sudanese embassy in Washington has advised citizens to avoid international travel until the issue is resolved.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue
In an attempt to ease tensions, South Sudan initially defended its refusal to admit Kintu but later reversed its decision on April 8. The country agreed to receive Kintu, but the U.S. has yet to lift the sanctions. The recent reception of Emmanuel Makoi is seen as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to accepting deported nationals.
The Reception of Emmanuel Makoi
The reception of Makoi at Juba International Airport was led by Foreign Minister Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba and senior government officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation viewed the reception as a demonstration of goodwill between the two countries. This move is seen as an attempt to reaffirm Juba’s commitment to restoring normal diplomatic relations with the United States.
Conclusion
The reception of Emmanuel Makoi in Juba, South Sudan, marks a significant step towards improving diplomatic relations between South Sudan and the United States. Although the visa sanctions imposed by the U.S. are still in place, this gesture of goodwill indicates a willingness to cooperate and resolve the issues that have strained the relationship between the two countries. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but for now, the reception of Makoi is a positive development in the efforts to mend the relationship between South Sudan and the U.S.
