South Sudanese activist welcomes U.S. visa restrictions

March 14, 2024 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese activist has welcomed the United States government decision to impose visa restrictions on multiple individuals sabotaging the country’s peace process.

The United States on Thursday announced plans to impose visa restrictions on multiple individuals undermining or impeding a sustainable peace through corruption that fuels conflict in South Sudan.

Under Section 212(a)(3) C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be generally ineligible for visas to the United States, the State Department said in a statement.

Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions, it added.

“Restricting visas for individuals confirmed for perpetrating corruption or restricting civic space is a remarkable and impressive decision. Talking of zero tolerance for corruption without tangible punitive measures is useless,” said activist Edmund Yakani.

He said those implicated in corruption and civil space restrictions be held accountable.

“The deadly violence that leads to gross human rights violation is evidently fueled by the high level of corruption and aggressive restriction of civic space. Now is the moment for all South Sudanese to embrace anti-corruption practice and open civic space for the growth of democracy in our country for the best interest of the citizens,” Yakani stressed

The U.S said it remains committed to supporting the peoples’ long unmet expectations for peace, democracy, human rights, and a government that uses public resources for the common good.

Since 2011, South Sudan has remained a precariously fragile state beset by insecurity and poverty.

According to the U.S Department of State, widespread corruption perpetuates the suffering and, directly and indirectly, supports conflict, thereby undermining the progress South Sudanese envisioned when they declared independence.

The nation’s leaders reportedly lack the political will necessary to create conditions for sustainable peace, democratic governance, the rule of law, and prosperity for the South Sudanese people.

They have yet to demonstrate the political will to establish an environment conducive to free and fair elections taking place, as scheduled, in December 2024, said the U.S Department of State.

On February 29, the U.S imposed visa restrictions on multiple South Sudanese nationals directly responsible for kidnappings of activists abroad and their involvement in transnational repression.  

(ST)