International Revival of South Sudan following American Deportee Diplomacy

International Revival of South Sudan following American Deportee Diplomacy

In a move that raises geopolitical questions and domestic tension, South Sudan has agreed to take in eight deportees last week, including only one of its own nationals. This development comes as part of a broader trend in US immigration policy, where migration agreements are being leveraged to secure trade and security objectives.

Benjamin Bol Mel, South Sudan's second vice-president, is at the centre of this unfolding drama. His country is not alone in linking its cooperation on deportations to key demands. Similar arrangements are being explored with other nations, including Rwanda, which is currently in 'initial' talks to receive migrants deported from the US.

The US is using these deals as instruments of geopolitical influence to counter Chinese presence and foster alliances in critical regions. These agreements can support US goals to secure trade routes, reduce irregular migration flows, and enhance cooperation on security matters, particularly in unstable or strategically important regions in Africa.

However, these deals also involve trade-offs. Risking regional tensions or backlash is a significant concern if countries perceive US demands on migration as coercive or compromising sovereignty. Balancing trade interests in a context of rising global trade tensions and deglobalization trends is another challenge. The complex intersection between immigration and trade policy, especially as US relations with countries in Africa can impact trade partnerships and the global supply chain stability, adds to the complexity.

Navigating US domestic politics, which often frame immigration in a security context, further complicates international negotiations and cooperation on trade. The potential revocation of all visas for South Sudanese citizens by the US is a case in point.

South Sudan has pressed Washington to take a more conciliatory stance on Riek Machar, its first vice-president who is currently under house arrest amid accusations of plotting a rebellion ahead of the 2026 elections. In return, South Sudan has linked its cooperation on deportations to several key demands, including lifting a travel ban on its citizens, unfreezing a New York-based bank account, encouraging US investment in mining and energy sectors, and removing sanctions on high-ranking officials such as Benjamin Bol Mel.

Civil society leaders in South Sudan, such as Edmund Yakani, have demanded transparency over the motivations and implications of accepting deportees with no ties to South Sudan. The contract between Juba and the Washington-based lobbying firm Scribe Strategies & Advisors, aimed at overturning the travel ban and mending bilateral ties, has triggered backlash at home.

Some nations, like South Sudan, see the aggressive US immigration policy as an opportunity to push their own demands. Politico reports suggest that this approach could lead to similar deportation arrangements with Eswatini and Rwanda, with talks reportedly underway with up to 15 African nations.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the implications of these migration deals are far-reaching and multifaceted. The US is attempting to integrate immigration policy within a wider strategic framework that includes trade competition, alliance-building, and efforts to counterbalance rival powers like China. However, the inherent tensions and unpredictability of these intertwined policy areas remain a challenge.

1. South Sudan, like Rwanda, is engaging in discussions to receive migrants deported from the US, linking these agreements to key demands and aiming to counter Chinese presence and foster alliances.
2. The US is utilizing migration deals as tools of geopolitical influence, leveraging them to secure trade routes, reduce irregular migration, and enhance security cooperation, particularly in strategically important regions in Africa.
3. The complex intersection between immigration and trade policy can impact trade partnerships and the global supply chain stability, adding to the complexity of international negotiations and cooperation.
4. South Sudan has requested a more conciliatory stance from Washington on Riek Machar, its first vice-president, in return for cooperation on deportations, linking it to several demands, such as lifting travel bans, unfreezing bank accounts, promoting US investment, and removing sanctions.
5. Some African nations, like Eswatini and potentially up to 15 others, may follow suit in talks for similar deportation arrangements with the US, as the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, with immigration policy integrated within a wider strategic framework.

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