JUBA – The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has congratulated South Sudan on the country’s 14th Independence Day commemoration and reiterated the commitment of the Donald Trump administration to strengthen diplomatic ties with Juba.
The United States played a significant role in South Sudan’s independence, achieved on July 9, 2011, including exerting diplomatic pressure on the Sudanese government in Khartoum to honour the CPA and allow the 2011 referendum, where 98.8% of South Sudanese voted for independence.
The Obama administration also imposed sanctions on Sudan to curb human rights abuses and encourage compliance with peace agreements.
In a statement published on the official website of the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday, Mr. Rubio underscored the need to preserve the longstanding relationships between the two nations.
“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend best wishes as the people of South Sudan mark their country’s independence day on July 9,” he said.
“We reaffirm the friendship between the people of our two countries, which began decades before South Sudan’s independence in 2011,” Rubio added.
South Sudan is currently receiving foreign nationals whose countries refused to accept them as they face deportation from the United States under a controversial arrangement, which sparked criticism from international and human rights circles.
Juba is also facing an arduous task in appeasing Washington to reverse the visa restrictions imposed on South Sudan since April, following a diplomatic clash over the deportation of Makula Kintu, a Congolese national deported to South Sudan.
But in his independence message, Mr. Rubio seemingly softened his stance, stating that “We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future that benefits the people of both our countries.”
South Sudan celebrated its 14th year of autonomy from Sudan on 9th July 2025 amid economic challenges and struggles to realise the promise of liberation, including sustainable peace and equitable development.
