The United States has officially granted visas to a high-level South Sudanese delegation set to attend the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C.
This development follows a day of discussions between South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Monday Semaya, and the U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel, spokesperson for the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, announced that the delegation, led by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, had received full support from the U.S. government and its embassy in Juba to facilitate their travel.
“We sincerely appreciate the United States for enabling our officials to attend these crucial global economic discussions. This is not just a procedural success; it reflects growing cooperation and mutual respect between our two nations,” Ayuel stated.
The ministry expressed gratitude to U.S. Ambassador Michael J. Adler for his direct involvement in securing the necessary travel clearances, despite ongoing travel restrictions for South Sudanese nationals.
“Ambassador Adler has been pivotal in ensuring the successful participation of our delegation,” Ayuel added. “His support speaks volumes about the depth of our bilateral relationship and the commitment of the U.S. to South Sudan’s international engagement.”
The visa approvals coincide with preparations for Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba’s official visit to Washington, where he is expected to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“This upcoming visit by Minister Kumba will reinforce our shared commitment to diplomatic collaboration,” Ayuel told reporters. “It is a testament to the strength and continuity of our long-standing partnership with the United States.”
Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate revocation of visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders, citing the African nation’s refusal to accept repatriated citizens removed from the U.S. Rubio also declared that South Sudanese nationals would be barred from entering U.S. ports of entry.
“The failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens on time” was blamed for the decision, Rubio said.
This policy aligns with former President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, which emphasized the removal of unlawful migrants from the U.S., with promises of “mass deportations.”
