South Sudan begged America to take back its harsh decision to cancel all South Sudanese passports because of problems with one Congolese deportee. The big-shot vice president, Benjamin Bol Mel, expressed regret about refusing entry to Kintu Makula. South Sudan claimed this punishment hurt thousands of innocent citizens who followed American rules. The blanket ban came after immigration officials denied entry to a deportee despite their Washington embassy approving emergency travel papers.
South Sudan finally caved under diplomatic pressure Monday, agreeing to let the Congolese man enter after earlier accusing America of forcing him on them. Officials originally blocked him at Juba airport, claiming his travel document was fake. During questioning, Makula revealed he belongs to the Ema tribe from Northern Kivu in Congo, insisting he was brought to South Sudan against his wishes. The actual South Sudanese citizen named Nimeri Garang will arrive on May 13, 2025.
American records show Makula first entered the US in August 2003, left for Congo voluntarily in 2009, before sneaking back into America illegally in July 2016. The dispute escalated when South Sudan initially refused to accept him despite earlier agreements with US authorities.
South Sudan finally caved under diplomatic pressure Monday, agreeing to let the Congolese man enter after earlier accusing America of forcing him on them. Officials originally blocked him at Juba airport, claiming his travel document was fake. During questioning, Makula revealed he belongs to the Ema tribe from Northern Kivu in Congo, insisting he was brought to South Sudan against his wishes. The actual South Sudanese citizen named Nimeri Garang will arrive on May 13, 2025.
American records show Makula first entered the US in August 2003, left for Congo voluntarily in 2009, before sneaking back into America illegally in July 2016. The dispute escalated when South Sudan initially refused to accept him despite earlier agreements with US authorities.
