S. Sudan in talks to facilitate repatriation of third-country nationals deported from U.S.
Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson of South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaks during a press conference on Sept.11, 2025 in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
By Denis Ejulu
The South Sudan government on Thursday revealed that it is holding talks with countries of the remaining six foreign nationals in it’s custody, following their deportation from the United States in July.
This comes after the youngest nation on Sept.6 successfully repatriated to Mexico Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, a Mexican national who was among the seven deportees in the country.
“I can confirm that our ministry is engaging these countries; I think the six deportees left are from Cuba, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and our ministry has begun high-level engagements to start the (repatriation) process,” Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation told journalists in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The third-country nationals that arrived in South Sudan on July 5 include two people from Myanmar, two from Cuba, and one each from Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico.
“Now we are beholden by international law, we cannot force anyone to go, it is voluntary repatriation. We appreciate the initiative taken by Mexico to take their citizen back, and we are also beholden to ensure that we are not pushing these people out but rather their countries are interested to take them in,” Mayen disclosed.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to international cooperation and the protection of third-country nationals including the safe and humane repatriation of the remaining six foreign nationals to their countries of origin.
Mayen stressed that these actions underscore South Sudan’s dedication to upholding international law, responsible consular practices and constructive diplomatic engagement.
In addition, she also disclosed that her ministry is currently engaged in the process of facilitating the safe return of South Sudanese nationals deported from various countries including the United States, Egypt and Libya.
