juba, South Sudan on Thursday received Emmanuel Makoi, a national deported by the United States, in a move signalling renewed diplomatic cooperation following visa sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, April 24, 2025. The reception at Juba International Airport was led by Foreign Minister Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba and senior government officials.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called the reception a demonstration of goodwill between the two countries. Makoi’s arrival comes amid efforts by Juba to mend strained relations with Washington, which recently revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders.

That action followed the controversial deportation of Makula Kintu, who arrived in Juba on April 5 carrying a South Sudanese travel document but was rejected by immigration authorities after being identified as a Congolese national. The rejection, despite prior certification by South Sudan’s embassy in Washington, prompted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose sweeping visa sanctions the following day.

The visa ban has affected an estimated 2,000 South Sudanese nationals in the U.S., including students and Temporary Protected Status holders, raising concerns about their legal status and future in the country.

Although South Sudan initially defended its refusal to admit Kintu, it reversed course on April 8 and agreed to receive him to ease tensions. However, the U.S. has yet to lift the sanctions, and South Sudan’s embassy in Washington has advised citizens to avoid international travel until the issue is resolved.

The Makoi reception is seen as an attempt to reaffirm Juba’s commitment to accepting deported nationals and restoring normal diplomatic relations with the United States.