U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan not expelled, gov’t clarifies

JUBA – The United States Ambassador to South Sudan has not been expelled, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation clarified Saturday.

In response to a seemingly fabricated document which surfaced on social media alleging the expulsion, Apuk Ayuel Mayen, the ministry’s spokesperson, dismissed the letter attributed to the office of the Vice President for Economic Cluster, Benjamin Bol Mel.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan wishes to address recent misinformation circulating on social media regarding the status of diplomatic relations with the United States,” Ayuel said in a media briefing.

“Contrary to these unfounded claims, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan has neither expelled the United States Ambassador nor closed its Embassy in Washington, D.C,” she added.

The document viewed by Sudans Post cited the recent move by the United States government to revoke the visas of South Sudanese passport holders after Juba rejected a Congolese national erroneously deported to the country.

“The Government of South Sudan, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, worked amicably to resolve the matter relating to the deportation of Mr. Kintu Makula, a Congolese national known as Nimeiri Garang. The Government of South Sudan finally agreed to admit Kintu Makula to the Republic of South Sudan,” read the statement in part.

“The Government of South Sudan reacted to the incident and respectfully urged the United States government to revoke its recent decision. Unfortunately, the United States Government has failed to lift the visa ban on innocent South Sudanese citizens who have abided by international norms and respected U.S. immigration laws,” it added.

The letter claims that the government of South Sudan, led by President Salva Kiir, has resolved to expel the United States Ambassador and declare him a “persona non grata”, adding that the South Sudan government was also closing its Embassy in Washington, D.C.

However, Ayuel rubbished the statement, which is also linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“These allegations did not originate from any official source within the Government and are entirely without merit. The U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan remains fully accredited and continues to enjoy the full support of our Government,” she said.

The spokesperson said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation met the U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan to discuss and deepen the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“In the spirit of continued cooperation. Our newly appointed Minister, Honorable Monday Semaya K. Kumba, invited the U.S. Ambassador, H.E. Michael J. Adler, and met with him earlier this morning to explore avenues for further strengthening the enduring relationship between our two nations,” said Ayuel.

“The Ministry also takes this opportunity to reaffirm that the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, D.C. remains open and fully operational. We appreciate the ongoing support of the U.S. Government and remain committed to fostering strong and mutually beneficial diplomatic ties,” she added.