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).

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.

Situation in South Sudan

The South Sudanese government has acknowledged the concerns of regional and international peace guarantors regarding the worsening political and security situation in the country. According to Cecilia Adeng, the South Sudanese ambassador to the United Nations, the government is working to de-escalate tensions and restore dialogue.

Current State of Affairs

South Sudan has experienced a deteriorating security and political situation since February 2025, following the outbreak of violence in Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal, as well as cantonment sites in Central Equatoria. This has prompted the United Nations and many regional and international peace guarantors to warn that the country is on the brink of another civil war. The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 180 people, injured over 250 others, and displaced an estimated 125,000 people in Upper Nile.

Government’s Response

Ambassador Adeng stated that the government recognizes the fragility of the situation and is working diligently to de-escalate tensions, restore dialogue, and protect the integrity of the peace process. The government is strengthening its national policing and deploying mobile courts in affected areas to ensure justice and accountability. President Salva Kiir has assured that the country must not return to war, despite the arrest of Dr. Machar and several SPLM-IO figures, which has triggered fears of reversal in the peace process.

International Community’s Role

The United Nations has called for a cessation of hostilities, preservation of the integrity of the Revitalized Agreement, and necessary steps to be taken to end the continuous cycles of incomplete transitions. The peacekeeping mission is increasing its protection of civilians measures, including patrols and reinforcing its posture at IDP sites in Juba, which are locations of particular risk. The region cannot afford another crisis that could further destabilize an already fragile landscape, and neighboring states, as guarantors of the Agreement, play a critical role in restoring peace and stability in South Sudan.

Way Forward

The message from peace partners is clear and consistent: the parties must resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust and confidence, refocus on the peace agreement, and assure the people of their steadfast commitment not to return to war. The government of South Sudan has reaffirmed its commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the peace deal and is mindful of its duty to safeguard the gains made since the signing of the agreement.

Conclusion

The situation in South Sudan is delicate, and the government, with the support of the international community, must work tirelessly to de-escalate tensions and restore dialogue. The country cannot afford to return to conflict, and it is imperative that all parties prioritize the long-term aspirations of the South Sudanese people over short-term grievances. With commitment, cooperation, and a focus on peace, South Sudan can overcome its current challenges and move towards a more stable and prosperous future.

Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating violence in South Sudan, calling for immediate protection of the population and unimpeded access to lifesaving humanitarian aid.

The Current Situation

During a recent visit to Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the violence on the people. She emphasized that all parties involved in the conflict must refrain from harming civilians, including humanitarian personnel who risk their lives to deliver aid.

Violence and Displacement

Since March 2025, armed clashes and aerial bombardments have resulted in the deaths of over 180 people, injured more than 250 others, and displaced approximately 125,000 individuals. The violence has also claimed the lives of four humanitarian workers, and six health facilities have been forced to shut down due to looting and destruction.

Humanitarian Access and Health Crisis

Humanitarian access remains restricted, and critical medical supplies are rapidly running out amid an ongoing cholera outbreak that has already claimed 919 lives and infected nearly 49,000 people in South Sudan. The suspension of services at Ulang Hospital, which serves 174,000 people, has further exacerbated the crisis.

Efforts to Address the Crisis

While in Malakal, Ms. Gbeho met with conflict-affected communities, the Governor of Upper Nile State, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society representatives to assess the humanitarian situation and coordinate the response on the ground. She also visited a cholera treatment centre to understand the situation better.

Funding and Support

The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for South Sudan is currently only 12.6 percent funded, despite the urgent needs of 9.3 million people across the country. The compounding impacts of conflict, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, economic crisis, climate shocks, and instability in neighboring Sudan are fueling a severe humanitarian emergency.

Conclusion

The latest surge in violence in South Sudan must stop to prevent further loss of life and suffering. With the rainy season approaching and the cholera outbreak accelerating, rapid and unhindered access to vulnerable communities, along with the delivery of critical supplies, is urgently needed to save lives. The international community must come together to provide the necessary funding and support to address the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and ensure the protection and well-being of its people.