The U.S. administration has revoked visas for all South Sudanese, citing the government’s failure to accept citizens’ return. This move risks sending them back to a nation on the brink of civil war, struggling with basic governance since independence in 2011. Years of conflict and recent escalations threaten peace efforts, while corruption and foreign aid cuts exacerbate the situation.
The U.S. has recently revoked visas for all South Sudanese citizens, citing the South Sudanese government’s failure to accept their return promptly. This decision places these individuals at risk of being sent back to a nation teetering on the edge of civil war, further limiting their opportunities for security in the U.S. South Sudan has struggled since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 to provide essential services to its people, compounded by years of conflict that have left its population reliant on foreign aid.
Years of intense conflict starting two years after independence led to a civil war in 2013, where factions led by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar engaged in violent clashes in the capital, Juba. The ongoing tension between Kiir and Machar has been so severe that Pope Francis even kneeled to kiss their feet, advocating for peace. Despite a fragile peace deal in 2018, the absence of a presidential election and the political power struggle continues to plague the nation.
Recent escalations have reignited fears of conflict, especially after Machar’s arrest and the military’s response to attacks from his ethnic militia. Following these events, the opposition party declared that the peace deal is effectively over. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted that the current situation mirrors the lethal civil wars of the past, which claimed 400,000 lives.
The South Sudanese government heavily relies on oil revenues, yet a combination of corruption and mismanagement denies the population access to these resources. The socio-political instability is further exacerbated by conflicts in neighboring Sudan and environmental challenges leading to mass displacement. The health and education systems in South Sudan are among the weakest globally, and cuts in U.S. aid have worsened these conditions.
The sudden U.S. policy shift revoking visas for South Sudanese citizens contrasts sharply with its previous support for the region during its independence struggle. Opportunities for South Sudanese in U.S. education, like playing in collegiate sports, highlight the depth of this abrupt decision. The State Department has not disclosed the exact number of affected visa holders and is prioritizing the resolution of disputes surrounding one undisclosed individual denied by South Sudan’s embassy to be returned. No new visas will be issued until South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation.
The U.S. visa revocation for South Sudanese citizens underscores a significant shift in policy and highlights the precarious state of South Sudan, which is grappling with the threat of renewed civil war, political instability, and reliance on foreign aid. The historical context of U.S. support during South Sudan’s struggle for independence presents a stark contrast to the current challenges faced by the country and its citizens. Moving forward, the need for effective governance and stabilization within South Sudan remains critical to improving conditions for its population and potentially restoring U.S. diplomatic support.
Original Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
