WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that the U.S. is revoking visas for all South Sudanese passport holders. He accused the South Sudanese government of taking advantage of the United States by failing to accept the return of its citizens when requested.
Rubio emphasized that every country should cooperate in this matter, stating, “South Sudan’s transitional government has failed to fully respect this principle.” Along with canceling current visas, the U.S. will also prevent new visas from being issued to South Sudanese.
The political situation in South Sudan is unstable, with recent violence escalating between government forces and opposition groups. Last week, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that South Sudan could be on the brink of another civil war. He referred to the country as “the world’s newest and one of its poorest,” highlighting the challenges it faces amid escalating conflict. Guterres described the situation as a “security emergency,” especially after recent clashes resulted in the arrest of the First Vice President, Riek Machar.
The country’s struggles are not new. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but it has been marred by conflict since then. A civil war broke out in 2013, and despite a peace agreement in 2018, tensions have remained high.
Experts suggest that international pressure is crucial for encouraging political stability in South Sudan. According to a recent report from the International Crisis Group, continued involvement and oversight from international bodies could be key in ensuring that leadership respects democratic principles and human rights.
As the situation unfolds, social media reactions are reflecting a mix of concern and frustration about the continued violence in South Sudan. Users are sharing news and discussing the potential for further conflict, showing a global interest in the nation’s fate.
Amid all this, it’s essential for the international community to stay engaged. For further information on the dire situation in South Sudan, check out the UN’s recent reports on their efforts to stabilize the region.
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