Tensions rise as U.S. cancels visas for South Sudan nationals amid repatriation row

The United States has announced plans to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, citing South Sudan’s refusal to accept the return of its repatriated citizens.

This decision comes at a time of heightened concern across Africa, as South Sudan appears dangerously close to renewed civil conflict, with the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar on the verge of collapse.

The move is part of broader efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to tighten immigration enforcement, including the deportation of individuals living in the U.S. without legal status, Reuters reported.

The administration has warned that countries refusing to repatriate their citizens promptly could face consequences such as visa restrictions or tariffs.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized South Sudan for failing to uphold the international principle that every nation must accept the return of its citizens when another country, including the U.S., seeks to deport them.

The United States has begun evacuating non-essential personnel, and the United Nations has issued warnings about the country’s stability.

African Union mediators arrived in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, this week to hold talks aimed at preventing the country from sliding back into civil war. The visit comes after First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest last week.

President Salva Kiir’s government has accused Machar, his longtime rival and former rebel leader during the 2013–2018 conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, of attempting to incite a new rebellion.