Kiir mulls sending delegation to U.S. amid diplomatic spat

JUBA – The government of South Sudan will send a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C., to expedite the repatriation of 137 South Sudanese nationals and strengthen diplomatic ties amid a recent standoff.

The delegation aims to address tensions sparked last month when Juba denied entry to a Congolese deportee, Makula Kintu, also identified as Nimeri Garang, who was mistakenly certified as a South Sudanese national. This incident led the Trump administration to revoke all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, threatening further consequences.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, includes Central Bank Governor Mr. Jonny Ohisa and Director General of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport, and Immigration, Gen. Elia Kosta. They will collaborate with U.S. authorities to ensure an orderly, legal, and dignified repatriation process.

“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan announces that it will dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C. in the coming days to engage directly with officials from the United States Government on the urgent matter of repatriating approximately 137 South Sudanese nationals currently subject to deportation orders from the United States,” the statement reads in part.

“This delegation will work in close coordination with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate an orderly, legal, and dignified return process,” it added.

The decision has drawn criticism from some South Sudanese citizens who support the initiative but question why the Foreign Affairs Minister was not included to lead the delegation and enhance diplomatic relations. The Kiir administration emphasised its commitment to resolving the issue promptly.

“Hence, the incident involving Mr. Kintu Makula/Nemeri Garang was regrettable and isolated, and internal measures have since been taken to prevent recurrence of such regrettable incidents,” said Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice President for the Economic Cluster.

“The Government of South Sudan wishes to express its respect and appreciation to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their leadership and continued commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration policy,” he added.

South Sudan apologised for any inconvenience caused to the U.S. and expressed its desire to resolve the matter swiftly and cooperatively.

“South Sudan is proud to stand with the United States as a partner in securing access to strategic resources vital to both South Sudan and the U.S. economies and national security,” Dr. Bol Mel stated.

President Salva Kiir remains committed to fostering constructive engagement with the U.S. in areas such as trade, investment, regional security, oil production, and strategic cooperation on critical minerals.

However, United States businesses and individuals have been cautioned against doing business in South Sudan due to a wave of sanctions imposed against its senior government officials, including Mel, whose office issued the statement.