By Jenifer J. Ogawi
The government of South Sudan has expressed disappointment and concern over the United States’ decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese nationals and suspend new visa issuance, following a recent deportation incident involving a misidentified individual.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Ambassador Apuk Mayen, the Director General for Consular Affairs, said the U.S. government’s decision was based on a misunderstanding that unfairly punishes ordinary citizens.
“This is an isolated case involving a foreign national who falsely used South Sudanese travel documents,” Apuk said. “The individual, identified as Makula Kintu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is not our citizen. The decision to impose visa restrictions on all South Sudanese passport holders is unwarranted and unjust.”
Kintu was deported to South Sudan on April 5, 2025, under the name “Nimeri Garang.” However, South Sudanese officials quickly uncovered the identity fraud through document checks, interviews, and Kintu’s own admission at the airport.
“He confessed he is from the Ima tribe in North Kivu Province of the DRC and was brought here against his will,” Apuk said. “We shared this information, including video evidence, with the U.S. Embassy and the State Department.”
Despite the clarification, the U.S. government proceeded to revoke visas and halt new applications for South Sudanese nationals – a move that has caused anxiety among the diaspora community.
“There was no prior warning,” said Jackline John, a South Sudanese citizen living in the U.S. for two years. “We woke up to this announcement and we are in panic. We respect U.S. policies, but this feels like collective punishment.”
Apuk emphasized that South Sudan has a strong record of cooperation with the U.S. on deportation cases. Of the 23 deportees identified by the U.S., 21 were confirmed as citizens and provided with emergency travel documents. The remaining two – one from the DRC and another from Sudan – were not South Sudanese.
“We are committed to international protocols,” she said. “This one-off incident should not be used to question our credibility or disrupt diplomatic ties.”
Apuk confirmed that the genuine Nimeri Garang, whose name was fraudulently used by Kintu, is expected to arrive in Juba on May 13, 2025.
The government has called for constructive engagement with the U.S. to resolve the matter diplomatically, expressing hope that the visa restrictions will be lifted promptly.
