US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the country is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, citing the African nation’s government as “taking advantage” of the United States. The move comes amid escalating tensions in South Sudan, where recent violence between government troops and armed opposition groups has created a fragile political landscape.
Rubio stated that the US will not only revoke existing visas but also prevent further issuance to South Sudanese passport holders. This decision is seen as a response to South Sudan’s government’s alleged failure to respect the principle of accepting the return of its citizens in a timely manner when another country requests their removal.
The situation in South Sudan has sparked international concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that the country is facing “a security emergency” and “political upheaval”. Last week, First Vice President Riek Machar was arrested by the government, further exacerbating tensions.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/rubio-south-sudan-visas-f2716e1871d8d1422546fdc447bac215