U.S. announces visa restriction on S. Sudanese impeding peace
March 13, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The United States government has announced plans to impose visa restrictions on multiple individuals undermining or impeding a sustainable peace through corruption that fuels conflict in South Sudan.
Under Section 212(a)(3) C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be generally ineligible for visas to the United States, it said Thursday.
Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.
The State Department said these visa restrictions are specific to certain individuals and are neither directed at the people nor the government of South Sudan.
“The decision to pursue visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support South Sudanese aspirations to combat corruption, strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and live in peace,” it said in a statement.
The U.S says it remains committed to supporting the peoples’ long unmet expectations for peace, democracy, human rights, and a government that uses public resources for the common good.
Since 2011, South Sudan has remained a precariously fragile state beset by insecurity and poverty.
According to the U.S Department of State, widespread corruption perpetuates the suffering and, directly and indirectly, supports conflict, thereby undermining the progress South Sudanese envisioned when they declared independence.
The nation’s leaders reportedly lack the political will necessary to create conditions for sustainable peace, democratic governance, the rule of law, and prosperity for the South Sudanese people.
They have yet to demonstrate the political will to establish an environment conducive to free and fair elections taking place, as scheduled, in December 2024, said the U.S Department of State.
On February 29, the U.S imposed visa restrictions on multiple South Sudanese nationals directly responsible for the kidnappings of activists abroad and their involvement in transnational repression.
(ST)