The United States has announced the revocation of all existing visas for South Sudanese citizens and a ban on new visas being issued, citing the South Sudanese government's failure to accept its citizens deported from the US.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US believes South Sudan is "taking advantage" of the country and emphasized the principle that all nations must cooperate in accepting the return of their citizens who are subject to deportation.
This action follows the US government's decision to allow "temporary protected status" (TPS) to expire on May 3. TPS had previously provided protection from deportation for South Sudanese nationals who were unable to return home safely due to conflict and instability. According to the Department of Homeland Security, approximately 133 South Sudanese citizens were covered by the TPS program, with an additional 140 eligible to apply as of September 2023.
Washington's move to single out South Sudan comes amid growing concerns about the increasing number of Africans attempting to enter the US via its southern border. The US government has indicated that it will reconsider the visa restrictions once South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation in accepting its deported citizens.
The situation within South Sudan remains precarious, with fears of a renewed civil war after a conflict between 2013 and 2018 resulted in 400,000 deaths. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently called for regional and international intervention to prevent South Sudan from descending into another conflict.
Adding to the instability, First Vice President Riek Machar has been placed under house arrest following accusations that he is attempting to incite a new rebellion. Mediation efforts are underway by the African Union to address the situation.
The previous civil war was largely fought along ethnic lines, with the Dinka ethnic group supporting President Salva Kiir and the Nuer ethnic group supporting Mr. Machar.