By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan government is set to screen eight foreign nationals, including one South Sudanese, who were recently deported from the United States of America.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation disclosed that the measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the deportees. It aligns with South Sudan’s laws and applicable to international norms and practices.
The eight men, who were convicted of crimes including murder, sexual assault and robbery, had either completed or were near the end of their prison sentences.
Only one of the eight, is from South Sudan. The rest are nationals of Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos and Mexico. US officials said most of their home countries had refused to accept them.
The deportees arrived at Juba International Airport on July 5, 2025 as part of standard deportation procedures carried out by the U.S. government.
“The Ministry confirmed the recent arrival in Juba of eight individuals, including one South Sudanese national and seven third-country nationals, who were deported from the United States of America,” Foreign Affairs ministry stated.
The Ministry noted that the deportees were received by appropriate national institutions, aligning with the government’s sovereign responsibilities and established protocols as agreed upon by both governments.
In diplomatic terms, “seven third-country nationals” refers to seven individuals whose nationality is neither that of the United States (the deporting country) nor South Sudan (the receiving country). This clarifies that the process was initiated by the United States, and South Sudan subsequently received the deportees.
The government reiterated that this carefully considered decision reflects the country’s enduring commitment to the principles of international cooperation and humanitarian responsibility. It also acknowledges the shared historical, political, and liberation linkages between South Sudan and the countries of the seven other deportees.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that this deportation process falls within the broader context of ongoing bilateral engagement between South Sudan and the United States. The two nations will continue to engage constructively and in good faith on a wide array of issues, including political, economic, investment, security, humanitarian, and consular matters.
The Ministry underscored the Government of South Sudan’s strong commitment to the dignity and protection of its people and its sovereign territorial integrity. This commitment extends to its nationals returning under any circumstances, as well as individuals with recognized links to South Sudan.
It further added that the two countries have enjoyed a longstanding relationship, predating South Sudan’s struggle for self-determination, the 2011 referendum, and its post-independence development. This ongoing engagement aims to normalize relations, deepen bilateral cooperation, and address issues of mutual concern and interest.
“As a gesture of goodwill, humanitarian cooperation, and commitment to mutual interests, South Sudan positively responded to a request from U.S. authorities, acting in a spirit of mutual respect, support, understanding, and solidarity,” the statement added.
The Government pledged to continue upholding national interests, adhering to the rule of law, and fulfilling international obligations and norms in its continued pursuit of partnerships that support peace, development, mutual benefit, and effective international cooperation.