South Sudan Accepts U.S. Deportee to Ease Visa Tensions

South Sudan has reversed its decision and will now admit a man deported from the US, identified as Makula Kintu, who South Sudan claims is actually a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo, not South Sudan. This decision comes after the US announced a blanket visa ban on South Sudanese citizens due to the country's refusal to accept its deported nationals, a move criticized by South Sudan as based on a misidentification. South Sudan's foreign ministry stated that Kintu used a fraudulent travel document and was returned to the US for further processing, emphasizing their commitment to cooperate with US immigration protocols. In response to the visa ban, South Sudan expressed regret and stated that the situation stemmed from an isolated incident involving misrepresentation. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the visa restrictions would remain until South Sudan complies with its obligations regarding repatriated citizens. The ongoing diplomatic tension highlights the complexities of immigration and deportation policies between the two nations.