South Sudan contests U.S. visa ban, cites mistaken identity in deportation case
April 7, 2025 (JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan on Monday contested the rationale behind a sweeping visa ban imposed by the United States, stating the decision stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a deportee who is not a South Sudanese citizen.
The U.S. government announced on April 5 its decision to revoke all existing visas held by South Sudanese nationals and halt further visa issuance, effective Saturday, April 6. Washington attributed this action to what it described as the “failure of South Sudan’s Transitional Government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner.”
However, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a press statement on Monday clarifying the circumstances. According to the ministry, an individual arrived at Juba International Airport on April 5 and April 6, presenting a South Sudanese Travel Document under the name Nimeri Garang.
Upon investigation, South Sudanese authorities determined the individual was not Nimeri Garang, but rather Makula Kintu, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), born April 2, 1977. The ministry stated that “comprehensive verification processes” confirmed his Congolese nationality. Mr. Kintu himself reportedly stated during his immigration interview that he is from the Ema tribe in North Kivu Province, DRC, and claimed he was brought to South Sudan against his will, according to the statement.
“In accordance with our immigration protocols, he was not admitted and was subsequently returned to the sending country,” the statement read. South Sudan has shared relevant evidence with the U.S. Ambassador in Juba and the Department of State in Washington, including video footage.
The ministry further noted that information allegedly provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security corroborates Mr. Kintu’s identity as a Congolese national (File No. A098 150 764), detailing his U.S. entry in 2003, voluntary departure to the DRC in 2009, and illegal re-entry in 2016.
Contrasting this with the case of the actual Nimeri Garang (born April 4, 1967), for whom the travel document was initially issued, the ministry stated U.S. authorities have indicated he is scheduled to arrive in Juba via Egypt Air on May 13, 2025. South Sudanese authorities await his arrival.
South Sudan’s government expressed “regret for the circumstances” but emphasized its consistent cooperation with the U.S. on immigration matters. The ministry highlighted that its Embassy in Washington had issued emergency travel documents for 21 out of 23 individuals recently identified by U.S. authorities for deportation. Of the two exceptions, one was Mr. Kintu (Congolese), and the other was determined to be a Sudanese national.
“The Government deeply regrets that despite this history of collaboration and partnership, South Sudan now faces a broad revocation of visas based on an isolated incident involving misrepresentation by an individual who is not a South Sudanese national,” the ministry stated.
South Sudan reaffirmed its commitment to accepting bona fide South Sudanese citizens. It expressed its desire to resolve the issue through “constructive dialogue and collaboration” with the United States, emphasizing the value it places on the bilateral relationship.