South Sudan Reports Eight Deportees from the US Are Under Government Care

Group of Deportees Held in South Sudan

South Sudan has stated that it is holding a group of eight men who were deported from the United States.

Only one of the individuals is from South Sudan. The remaining group consists of two people from Myanmar, two from Cuba, and one each from Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico.

US Deportation Policy

The US administration has sought to transfer certain migrants to third countries when their countries of origin do not accept their return. Officials reported that the men had been convicted of violent crimes in the United States. The decision to deport them has been subject to legal proceedings in US courts.

South Sudan's Response

According to a statement from the South Sudanese foreign ministry, "They are currently in Juba under the care of the relevant authorities, who are screening them and ensuring their safety and wellbeing."

The ministry did not provide further details but described the action as a "careful and well-studied decision" and part of "ongoing bilateral engagement."

The statement added, "South Sudan responded positively to a request from the US authorities as a gesture of goodwill, humanitarian cooperation and commitment to mutual interests."

Local and International Reactions

The deportations have prompted safety and other concerns among some individuals in South Sudan.

"South Sudan is not a dumping ground for criminals," said Edmund Yakani, a civic leader.

A group of United Nations experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, expressed criticism of the move.

"International law is clear that no one shall be sent anywhere where there are substantial grounds for believing that the person would be in danger of being subjected to ... torture, enforced disappearance or arbitrary deprivation of life," 11 independent UN rights experts said in a statement.

Deportation Process and Arrival

The deportees departed the United States for South Sudan in May, but their flight was diverted to Djibouti after a US district court imposed a stay on third-country deportations. This ruling was later overturned by the US Supreme Court earlier in the month.

The group arrived in South Sudan on 5 June. An official, who spoke anonymously, stated that the individuals were returned by US marines.

A spokesperson for the South Sudan foreign ministry, Apuk Ayuel Mayen, stated that Juba maintains a commitment to its people, including "its nationals returning under any circumstances" and "persons with recognised links to South Sudan."

Political Context

Tensions between South Sudanese president Salva Kiir and vice-president Riek Machar escalated into open hostilities in March.

These tensions have raised concerns about the possibility of renewed conflict in South Sudan, where a civil war resulted in significant casualties between 2013 and 2018.