In a move that could deepen tensions between Washington and Juba, the United States has revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. The decision, announced Saturday, comes in response to South Sudan’s refusal to accept the return of its citizens who are being repatriated from the US
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision takes effect immediately. “Effective immediately, the United States Department of State is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders,” Rubio said.
Rubio emphasized the US stance that “every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the US, seeks to remove them.” He added, “We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation.”
The secretary also criticized South Sudan’s transitional authorities, stating: “It is time for South Sudan’s transitional government to stop taking advantage of the United States.”
The South Sudanese embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the visa revocations.
The visa sanctions come as tensions rise within South Sudan’s borders. This past week, African Union mediators arrived in the capital, Juba, to launch crisis talks aimed at preventing another outbreak of civil war. The nation has been on edge following the recent house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar.
President Salva Kiir’s administration has accused Machar of attempting to incite rebellion, reigniting fears of a return to widespread violence. Machar, a longtime political rival of Kiir, led opposition forces during the brutal civil conflict between 2013 and 2018—a war largely fought along ethnic lines that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The conflict pitted fighters from the Dinka ethnic group, Kiir’s base, against those from the Nuer group, aligned with Machar. Though recent violence in Upper Nile state has involved the White Army militia—historically allied with Machar—his camp denies any current association with the group.
The Trump administration, under which Rubio currently serves as Secretary of State, has taken a hardline stance on immigration enforcement. Part of its policy has been to penalize countries that fail to cooperate with deportation procedures, with consequences ranging from visa suspensions to potential tariffs.
Saturday’s move represents one of the most sweeping visa actions taken against an African nation during this administration, and it comes at a time when many observers worry that South Sudan could slide back into conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision takes effect immediately. “Effective immediately, the United States Department of State is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders,” Rubio said.
Rubio emphasized the US stance that “every country must accept the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country, including the US, seeks to remove them.” He added, “We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation.”
The secretary also criticized South Sudan’s transitional authorities, stating: “It is time for South Sudan’s transitional government to stop taking advantage of the United States.”
The South Sudanese embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the visa revocations.
The visa sanctions come as tensions rise within South Sudan’s borders. This past week, African Union mediators arrived in the capital, Juba, to launch crisis talks aimed at preventing another outbreak of civil war. The nation has been on edge following the recent house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar.
President Salva Kiir’s administration has accused Machar of attempting to incite rebellion, reigniting fears of a return to widespread violence. Machar, a longtime political rival of Kiir, led opposition forces during the brutal civil conflict between 2013 and 2018—a war largely fought along ethnic lines that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The conflict pitted fighters from the Dinka ethnic group, Kiir’s base, against those from the Nuer group, aligned with Machar. Though recent violence in Upper Nile state has involved the White Army militia—historically allied with Machar—his camp denies any current association with the group.
The Trump administration, under which Rubio currently serves as Secretary of State, has taken a hardline stance on immigration enforcement. Part of its policy has been to penalize countries that fail to cooperate with deportation procedures, with consequences ranging from visa suspensions to potential tariffs.
Saturday’s move represents one of the most sweeping visa actions taken against an African nation during this administration, and it comes at a time when many observers worry that South Sudan could slide back into conflict.
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