The United States announced on Saturday that it is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders due to South Sudan’s refusal to accept the return of its repatriated citizens. This move comes amid growing concerns in Africa that the country could slide back into civil war.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws, including deporting individuals deemed to be in the U.S. illegally. Washington has previously warned that countries failing to take back their citizens in a timely manner could face repercussions such as visa restrictions or trade penalties.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused South Sudan of disregarding the fundamental obligation of nations to accept their own citizens when deported by another country, including the U.S.
“Effective immediately, the U.S. Department of State is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and will halt future visa issuance to prevent entry into the United States,” Rubio declared.
He added that these restrictions would remain in place until South Sudan fully complies with its repatriation obligations. “It is time for South Sudan’s transitional government to stop exploiting the United States,” Rubio asserted.
The South Sudanese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, African Union mediators have arrived in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to facilitate talks aimed at preventing a resurgence of civil war. Tensions have escalated after First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest last week.
President Salva Kiir’s government has accused Machar—his longtime rival and a former rebel leader in the 2013-2018 civil war—of attempting to incite a new uprising. Machar’s detention follows weeks of clashes in the northern Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia. Though the White Army previously fought alongside Machar’s faction during the civil war, his camp denies any current affiliation with the group.
The 2013-2018 conflict largely followed ethnic divides, with Kiir, who hails from the Dinka ethnic group, leading government forces, while Machar, from the Nuer group, commanded the opposition.
