South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya K. Kumba has called on the United State to reconsider Visas revocation on all South Sudanese passport holders.
The Minister made a call on Saturday while meeting Michael J. Adler, the United States Ambassador to South Sudan.
According to the statement extended to the Media, the top diplomates meeting deliberated on areas aimed at strengthening the relations between South Sudan and the United States of America.
In his addressed to the Media after the meeting, Minister Semaya called on US government to reconsider the revocation of visas for South Sudanese passport holders.
“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 as this would signify a new phase in our partnership,” Semaya appealed
The Minister reaffirmed government commitment toward strengthening partnership with the US.
He also acknowledged the continuous partnership with the United States adding that South Sudan would always continue to promote and strengthen such relation.
“We consider the U.S. a strategic partner, and this relationship has a long history” he said
Minister Semaya also reiterated the commitment of the government and the parties to the peace agreement toward attaining peace in the country.
He added that South Sudan government continue to cooperate with peace monitors as well all stakeholders such as UNMISS.
Ambassador Adler expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet and reiterated the Government of the United States’ shared desire for improved relations and open communication between the two nations.
He reiterated US call for genuine implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
This month US revoked all the visas for South Sudanese passport holders.
The US vowed to review the decision when Transitional Government of National Unity respond to the demands such as deportation program.
Reacting to the incident a civil society Activist called on the United States of America to reconsider Visa restriction on South Sudan citing that it affects the innocent South Sudanese.
Ter Manyang, The Executive Director for Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) expressed that Visa ban affected many South Sudanese who are not part of decision making.
“As a human rights organization, we call upon the U.S. Department of State to reconsider its decision. Punishing innocent citizens for the wrongdoings of a corrupt elites who exploit the country’s resources is unjust” he said
On 8 March, the US ordered all its non-emergency staff in South Sudan to leave as regional fighting broke out, threatening a fragile peace deal agreed in 2018.
South Sudanese in the US were previously granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to remain in the US for a set period of time but its due to expire by 3 May.
