South Sudan

VISA SAGA: Reconsider Revocation

Published

1 week ago

April 14, 2025

Diplomatic Row Between South Sudan and the United States

The relationship between South Sudan and the United States has been under strain due to a diplomatic row that erupted recently. The situation took a new turn when the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba, met with the U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J Adler, on Saturday.

Background of the Diplomatic Row

The meeting, which was called for by Amb. Kumba, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing the recent revocation of U.S. visas for South Sudanese passport holders. This move by the U.S. government has caused significant concern and hardship among innocent South Sudanese citizens.

The Meeting Between Amb. Kumba and Ambassador Adler

During the meeting, Mr. Kumba reaffirmed Juba’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with Washington. He stated, “We consider the U.S. a strategic partner, and this relationship has a long history. We urge the United States to reconsider the revocation of visas for South Sudanese passport holders, as this would signify a new phase in our partnership.” The Minister also emphasized the government’s dedication to the successful implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and its ongoing cooperation with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Efforts to Resolve the Situation

The discussions between Amb. Kumba and Ambassador Adler encompassed various avenues for future collaboration and multilateral engagement between the two nations. Ambassador Adler expressed his gratitude for the meeting and echoed the U.S. government’s desire for improved relations and open communication with South Sudan. This direct appeal from the Foreign Minister follows a similar call made earlier in the week by the Vice President for Service Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel.

Vice President’s Statement

On Tuesday, VP Bol issued a statement expressing the government’s regret over the incident that triggered the visa revocation and urged the U.S. to reverse its decision. He highlighted the significant concern and hardship among innocent South Sudanese citizens caused by the sweeping measure. The VP also reaffirmed the government’s willingness to work with the U.S. to resolve the underlying issue concerning the deportation of Mr. Makula Kintu.

The Way Forward

The meeting between Minister Kumba and Ambassador Adler signals a direct effort by Juba to de-escalate the diplomatic tensions and seek a reversal of the visa restrictions. President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and reiterated its commitment to engaging constructively with the United States in a spirit of diplomacy and mutual respect.

Conclusion

The outcome of this engagement remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing diplomatic challenge between the two nations. The South Sudanese government’s efforts to resolve the situation and restore diplomatic relations with the U.S. are crucial for the benefit of its citizens and the country’s development. The success of these efforts will depend on the willingness of both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find mutually beneficial solutions.

South Sudan

Inter-Community Peace Tournament Begins

Published

18 minutes ago

April 21, 2025

Peter James

Introduction to Peace Tournaments

A significant event has taken place in Yei County, aimed at promoting peace and unity among communities. The inter-community peace tournament is an initiative that brings together different communities to compete in sports, fostering a spirit of friendship and cooperation.

The Purpose of the Tournament

The primary goal of the tournament is to promote peace and understanding among the various communities in Yei County. By engaging in sports, participants can put aside their differences and work towards a common goal, which is to win the tournament. This approach helps to build trust and strengthen relationships between communities that may have been divided in the past.

How the Tournament Works

The tournament features a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball. Teams from different communities compete against each other, with the winning team receiving a prize. The tournament is not just about winning, but also about promoting fair play, respect, and teamwork.

Benefits of the Tournament

The inter-community peace tournament has several benefits for the communities involved. It helps to reduce tensions and conflicts between communities, promotes social cohesion, and provides a platform for young people to engage in positive activities. The tournament also helps to promote economic development, as local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors and participants.

The Role of Community Leaders

Community leaders play a crucial role in the success of the tournament. They help to organize the event, promote it to their communities, and encourage participation. They also help to resolve any conflicts that may arise during the tournament, ensuring that the event remains a positive and peaceful experience for all involved.

Conclusion

The inter-community peace tournament in Yei County is a positive step towards promoting peace and unity among communities. By engaging in sports and competing in a friendly and respectful manner, participants can help to build bridges between communities and promote a culture of peace and cooperation. The tournament is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and promote positive change, and it serves as a model for other communities to follow.

South Sudan

Police Deployed For Easter Security

Published

7 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Peter James

Security Plans for Easter Celebrations

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Abraham Manyuat Peter, has announced strong security plans to ensure a safe and enjoyable Easter celebration for Christians. The plans include the deployment of police forces to strategic areas to prevent criminal activities.

Deployment of Police Personnel

Gen. Manyuat spoke to journalists during the deployment of police personnel, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the public during the Easter celebrations. He noted that many criminals take advantage of such times to commit crimes, and the deployment of police is intended to prevent this.

Protecting People and Property

The IGP explained that during Easter, many people leave their homes to attend church services and celebrations, making them vulnerable to theft and robbery. He warned that thieves and criminals might target women and traders in their shops, and assured that police personnel would be deployed in areas suspected to be hotspots to prevent such crimes.

Cooperation with the Public

Gen. Manyuat urged the public to cooperate with the police and warned against engaging in criminal activities. He also advised the deployed police forces to establish good relationships with the public and to work with civilians in a respectful manner. The IGP appealed to police officers to remain disciplined and take full responsibility for ensuring the public’s safety.

Youth and Believers Urged to Cease Violence

The IGP urged the youth and believers to engage in meaningful activities during Easter, rather than resorting to violence. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during the celebrations.

Background on Easter

Easter is a significant holiday in the Christian calendar, honoring the Resurrection of Jesus three days after His death by crucifixion. It marks the joyful conclusion to the Lenten season of devoted prayer, fasting, and penitence.

Police Reform Efforts

Recently, Gen. Manyuat outlined his plans to transform the police force into a professional and decent law enforcement agency. He emphasized the need for police officers to operate effectively, respond promptly to incidents, and utilize available resources to maintain law and order. The IGP also plans to promote ethical conduct, discipline, and respect for human rights within the police force to foster public trust and improve community relations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Inspector General of Police has taken significant steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable Easter celebration for Christians. The deployment of police personnel to strategic areas, combined with efforts to promote cooperation with the public and reform the police force, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining law and order during the celebrations. By working together, the police and the public can ensure a peaceful and joyful Easter season.

South Sudan

South Sudan Army Retakes Control Of Nasir Town

Published

14 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Peter James

South Sudan Army Retakes Control Of Nasir Town

Recent Developments in South Sudan

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) announced on Sunday evening that they have regained control of Nasir town, the capital of Upper Nile State’s Nasir County. This announcement was made by the army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, through a statement.

Background of the Conflict

Nasir, located 180 kilometers southeast of Malakal, was seized by Nuer ethnic armed youth, known as the White Army, in early March. This takeover occurred after an SSPDF attempt to disarm local residents. The White Army is an armed youth group that fought alongside the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) during the 2013-2018 civil war.

Recapture of Nasir Town

The recapture of Nasir town by the SSPDF is a significant development in the region. According to the army spokesman, Lul Ruai Koang, the army had retaken the town, but he provided no further details on the circumstances of the recapture. Koang described the recapture of Nasir as "the greatest Easter Holidays gift for servicemen who had paid the ultimate price during its defense and recapture."

Reaction from the White Army

There was no immediate comment from the White Army regarding the recapture of Nasir town. The SSPDF spokesman stated that the military would release further information about the recapture.

Previous Developments

The announcement of the recapture of Nasir town comes days after the military reported taking control of Ulang County headquarters following a withdrawal by armed youth. This indicates that the SSPDF is making efforts to regain control of areas that were previously taken over by armed groups.

Conclusion

The recapture of Nasir town by the SSPDF is a significant development in the region, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. The lack of comment from the White Army suggests that the situation is still volatile, and further clashes may occur. The SSPDF’s efforts to regain control of areas taken over by armed groups are ongoing, and the situation in South Sudan remains complex and unpredictable.