South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya K. Kumba, has appealed to the United States to reconsider its recent decision to revoke visas for all South Sudanese passport holders.
The Minister made the appeal during a meeting on Saturday with U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler.
According to a statement shared with the media, the two officials discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
“We urge the United States to reconsider the revocation of visas for South Sudanese passport holders,” Semaya stressed “Such a move would mark a new phase in our partnership and reinforce the spirit of cooperation between our nations.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the United States, describing the relationship as historic and strategic, emphasizing South Sudan’s ongoing commitment to peace, including full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement and continued cooperation with peace monitors and partners such as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
In response, Ambassador Adler expressed gratitude for the meeting and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s interest in strengthening diplomatic engagement with South Sudan. He reiterated Washington’s call for the genuine implementation of the peace deal, particularly ahead of the country’s transitional milestones.
Earlier this month, the U.S. government announced the revocation of visas for all holders of South Sudanese passports. The decision was linked to the Transitional Government of National Unity’s failure to meet certain demands, including cooperation with deportation and repatriation programs. The U.S. said it would review the policy if meaningful progress is made.
The visa revocation has drawn concern from civil society groups, who argue that the blanket restriction unfairly punishes ordinary citizens.
Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), exhoed Minister’s Semaya call on U.S to reconsider its decision.
“As a human rights organization, we urge the U.S. Department of State to reverse this policy,” he said “Punishing innocent citizens for the wrongdoings of a few corrupt elites who exploit the country’s resources is unjust.”
The move also comes amid heightened tensions in the region. On March 8, the U.S. ordered the evacuation of all non-emergency staff from its embassy in South Sudan, citing concerns over escalating violence that threatens the fragile 2018 peace accord.
Meanwhile, South Sudanese nationals residing in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) face growing uncertainty, as the program is set to expire on May 3, 2025.
