By Philip Buda Ladu
A diplomatic row between South Sudan and United States took center stage as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Monday Semaya Kumba met with U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J Adler, on Saturday.
The meeting, called for by Amb. Kumba who took office on Friday, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and directly addressed the recent revocation of U.S. visas for South Sudanese passport holders.
The Minister warmly welcomed Ambassador Adler, who is the first accredited U.S. Ambassador to meet with the Minister since assuming his new role. During their discussion, Mr. Kumba reaffirmed Juba’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with Washington.
“We consider the U.S. a strategic partner, and this relationship has a long history,” stated Minister Kumba. “We urge the United States to reconsider the revocation of visas for South Sudanese passport holders, as this would signify a new phase in our partnership.”
The Minister also emphasized the government’s dedication to the successful implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, its ongoing cooperation with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the renewal of UNMISS’s mandate.
The discussions also encompassed various avenues for future collaboration and multilateral engagement between the two nations.
Ambassador Adler expressed his gratitude for the meeting and echoed the U.S. government’s desire for improved relations and open communication with South Sudan.
This direct appeal from the Foreign Minister follows a similar call made earlier in the week by the Vice President for Service Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel.
On Tuesday, VP Bol issued a statement expressing the government’s regret over the incident that triggered the visa revocation and urged the U.S. to reverse its decision.
“South Sudan’s government regrets the incident and respectfully urges the United States government to revoke its recent decision to cancel all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders,” Bol stated.
He highlighted the “significant concern and hardship among innocent South Sudanese citizens” caused by the sweeping measure.
The VP also reaffirmed the government’s willingness to work with the U.S. to resolve the underlying issue concerning the deportation of Mr. Makula Kintu, who Juba authorities said is a Congolese national also known as Nimeri Garang.
He explained that the refusal of South Sudanese immigration officials to grant Mr. Kintu admission, despite the South Sudanese Embassy in Washington D.C. issuing an Emergency Travel Document, regrettably led to the current diplomatic tension.
The Vice President emphasized that his office fully supports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in its efforts to resolve the situation and stands ready to assist in ensuring the restoration of diplomatic relations and the safe return of deported citizens.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and reiterated its commitment to engaging constructively with the United States in a spirit of diplomacy and mutual respect.
The meeting between Minister Kumba and Ambassador Adler signals a direct effort by Juba to de-escalate the diplomatic tensions and seek a reversal of the visa restrictions.
The outcome of this engagement remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing diplomatic challenge between the two nations.