The pride of a nation lies in the love it has for its people. It does not end there. It also has to do with protecting its sovereignty and integrity. News of foreign nationals being deported to South Sudan by the US government is one concern that the governments of the US and South Sudan must urgently address.
These individuals are not mere aliens or immigrants. They are alleged to be holding records of “capital” crimes, which might have compelled the US government to deport them. Moreover, rumour has it that their countries of origin have not accepted them back.
Media reports indicate that a US federal judge stopped the Trump administration from carrying out their deportation to South Sudan. But these individuals, even though they do not hold South Sudanese nationality, were brought to South Sudan. This alone violates international laws.
Why must South Sudan be a suitable place for them when their own mother countries have disowned them? This question is confusing. There is a narrative that the government of South Sudan had accepted them into the country. This can be clarified as well. On what grounds are they in South Sudan? And when they live in South Sudan, will they not take advantage of the vulnerability of the locals?
In terms of diplomacy, the US has been a good friend of South Sudan. The relationship between South Sudan and the US dates back to the liberation struggle under Dr. John Garang de Mabior, which culminated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The US has also been providing aid, which has been helping South Sudanese in various capacities. This is all a friend can do.
But if at all, the deportees have arrived in Juba, and they surely hold records of gross human rights violations in the US, there is no friendship in grooming criminals. Moreover, South Sudan is yet to solve its internal problems. If a bigger threat is caused by these deportees, this decision may turn into regret.
The governments of South Sudan and the US need to give a satisfactory explanation of the grounds on which these individuals with criminal backgrounds should stay in South Sudan. The citizens of the youngest nation will be free from sleepless nights.
