WASHINGTON, April 6 (AGCNewsNet) – The United States has revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday, citing the country's failure to accept the return of its repatriated citizens "in a timely manner."

Rubio said the measure is effective immediately and includes the suspension of further visa issuance to South Sudanese nationals. The move follows a warning by the U.S. administration that countries obstructing deportations will face consequences, including visa restrictions and potential trade sanctions.

“South Sudan is taking advantage of the United States,” Rubio said in a statement. “We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation.”

The decision comes as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies immigration enforcement efforts. Countries that do not promptly accept deported citizens are increasingly being targeted with punitive measures.

South Sudan’s embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment, according to Reuters.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world’s youngest nation. However, it has since been mired in conflict, economic turmoil, and political instability.

Recent escalations include the late-March arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar by forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. The arrest has drawn international condemnation and raised fears of renewed civil war in a nation still recovering from the 2013–2018 conflict, which killed hundreds of thousands.

The United Nations has expressed alarm, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging regional leaders to act quickly to avoid a relapse into full-scale war. African Union mediators arrived in Juba earlier this week in a bid to ease rising tensions.

Machar, who led the rebel faction during the last civil war, has been linked to recent clashes in the north involving the White Army, an armed militia. Government forces retaliated with air strikes after the group reportedly attacked a UN helicopter and a military base in Upper Nile state.

Although Machar denies any connection to the militia’s recent actions, the government has placed him under house arrest. His supporters call the crackdown a violation of the 2018 peace accord.

Observers warn the unfolding political crisis, combined with external diplomatic pressure, could plunge the fragile nation further into instability.

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