On 5th July 2025, eight individuals convicted of crimes, including one South Sudanese arrived at Juba International Airport following what Juba called “standard deportation procedures undertaken by the Government of the United States of America”.
Enrique Arias-Hierro and Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones from Cuba, Thongxay Nilakout, from Lao, Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez from Mexico, Dian Peter Domach, a South Sudanese, Kyaw Mya and Nyo Myint from Burma, and Tuan Thanh Phan from Vietnam, were deported after a Supreme Court ruling in late June.
During a media briefing at the ministerial complex in Juba, Apuk Ayuel Mayen, the Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the reception was also in recognition of the United States’ historical support for South Sudan’s liberation struggle.
“The Government of South Sudan recalls with appreciation the longstanding support extended by the United States during the country’s struggle for self-determination, the 2011 referendum, and our post-independence development” she said.
“In the spirit of mutual respect, support, understanding and solidarity, South Sudan responded positively to a request from the U.S. authorities as a gesture of goodwill, humanitarian cooperation, and commitment to mutual interests,” Ayuel added.
The decision to accept the deportees, Ayuel said, comes in the context of ongoing bilateral engagement between Juba and Washington.
“As part of a broader framework of cooperation, both countries continue to engage constructively and with good faith on a range of matters, including political, economic, investment, security, humanitarian, and consular-related issues, among others,” she stated.
In April 2025, the Department of State revoked all visas for South Sudanese passport holders after the President Salva Kiir administration objected to the deportation of a Congolese national to South Sudan. The revocation remains in place despite several attempts by Juba to appease Washington.
Ayuel said the arrangement to accept foreign deportees “aims at normalizing relations, deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing issues of mutual concern and interest”.
The Spokesperson claimed that South Sudan also has historical links with some of the countries of the deportees, and their acceptance signalled a commitment to humanitarian obligation.
“This careful and well-studied decision reflects the Republic of South Sudan’s enduring commitment to the principles of international cooperation and humanitarian responsibility. It also acknowledges the shared historical, political, and liberation linkages between South Sudan and the countries of origin of some of the deportees,” Ayuel said.
In line with its sovereign responsibilities and established procedures, Ayuel stated that the deportees were under the care of the relevant authorities, who are screening them and ensuring their safety and well-being, under South Sudanese laws and applicable international norms and practices.
Ayuel said the Government of South Sudan maintains a strong commitment to the dignity and protection of its people, and sovereign territorial integrity, which includes its nationals returning under any circumstances, as well as persons with recognized links to South Sudan.
The deportation of foreign nationals, especially those convicted of serious crimes to South Sudan, has sparked outcry across South Sudan and beyond.
While international commentators criticise the Trump administration for human rights violations, the lack of transparency about the specific terms of the U.S.-South Sudan agreement has raised questions at home about whether Juba is being coerced or incentivised to act as a “dumping ground” for deportees.
