South Sudan bows to U.S. pressure, allows Congolese deportee to enter country

JUBA, South Sudan

In yet another twist to the diplomatic standoff between the United States and the Government of South Sudan over the deportation of a Democratic Republic of Congo national, South Sudan has backpedalled and now says it will allow Makula Kintu into the country immediately.

Addressing an impromptu press conference on Tuesday, South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen said the decision was taken in light of the existing friendly relations between the two countries.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan wishes to formally communicate the recent decision by the government regarding an individual deported from the United States who was denied entry at Juba International Airport on 5 and 6 April 2025,” she said. “In the spirit of the existing friendly relations between South Sudan and the United States, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan has decided to grant Mr. Makula Kintu permission to enter the country.”

“In light of this decision, the government has instructed the relevant authorities at Juba International Airport to facilitate Mr. Kintu’s arrival as early as tomorrow,” Amb. Ayuel added.

She said the Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains committed to facilitating the return of verified South Sudanese nationals who are scheduled for deportation from the United States.

On Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US would be revoking US visas for all South Sudanese. He said it was a response to South Sudan's refusal to accept the return of its citizens being removed from the US.

Makula Kintu

In its initial reaction, South Sudan's foreign ministry said the move was based on a case involving someone who had been incorrectly identified as South Sudanese and was sent back as a result.

Referring to other possible removals, the ministry said the country was committed to supporting the return of its "verified nationals" who are scheduled for deportation from the US.

The US move at the weekend was the first time the US targeted all passport holders from a particular country since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, having campaigned on an anti-immigration platform, with the promise of "mass deportations".