Foreign Affairs Ministry hailed US ambassador to South Sudan for his pivotal role in coordinating the issuance of the visas, in light of the existing travel restrictions on South Sudanese nationals.

By Aguok Chok

The United States has granted visas to South Sudanese government officials to attend the 2025 spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference in Juba, Apuk Ayuel, the Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, extended the government’s sincere appreciation to the U.S. government and its embassy in Juba for facilitating the visas for the delegation.

The team will be led by Finance and Planning Minister Marial Dongrin Ater.

The ministry is pleased to inform the public that the Hon. Ambassador Monday Sembaya Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has formally written to his US counterpart, the secretary of state Marco Rubio, reaffirming the strong and enduring bilateral relations between the Republic of South Sudan and the United States of America,” Ayuel said.

“The Honourable Minister is planning for an official bilateral visit to the United States to engage in discussions with his U.S counterpart on matters of mutual interest and cooperation, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, political and economic ties with the United States.”

The minister hailed Michael J. Adler, United States Ambassador to South Sudan, for his pivotal role in coordinating the issuance of the visas, particularly in light of the existing travel restrictions on South Sudanese nationals.

 “The ministry remains committed to deepening engagement with the international community and strengthening South Sudan’s diplomatic relations globally,” Ayuel added.

Early this month, the US State Department imposed restrictions suspending the issuance of US visas to South Sudanese citizens. The decision voided already issued visas and suspended future issuances. Tensions between the two countries have recently escalated following South Sudan’s refusal to accept the return of a deportee, allegedly a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The decision sent shockwaves through the South Sudanese community, not only among officials but also among students, businesspeople, and families with ties to the United States. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed, amid fears of worsening South Sudan’s international isolation.

However, recent developments suggest the dilemma may be resolved, especially since South Sudan has since reversed its position, expressing its willingness to cooperate with US immigration procedures. The Vice President’s office described the previous refusal as an “unfortunate and isolated incident,” indicating a broader effort to rebuild trust.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, has communicated with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ministry spokesperson stating that: “His Excellency Semaya Kumba sent an official letter to his American counterpart, affirming the strong and enduring bilateral relations between the Republic of South Sudan and the United States of America.

South Sudanese situation in Sudan

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the ministry said the government was concerned about the safety of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson said the ministry is actively monitoring the safety and well-being of the South Sudanese citizens in Sudan and remains in close contact with the Sudanese authorities to ensure their protection during this period.

“We urge all South Sudanese nationals in Sudan to remain calm and maintain close communication with our embassy in Port Sudan by contacting our charge d’affaires at interim, Mr. Peter Garchang Tap, at +249966-034768‬,” Ayuel said.‬

“The government of South Sudan is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of its citizens both at home and abroad,” she added.

“The Honourable Minister is planning for an official bilateral visit to the United States to engage in discussions with his U.S counterpart on matters of mutual interest and cooperation,” statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.