In a significant diplomatic turnaround, South Sudan has agreed to accept a man deported from the United States, aiming to ease growing tensions between the two countries over immigration and visa policies.

The controversy began when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US would be revoking visas for all South Sudanese citizens. The decision was prompted by South Sudan’s refusal to accept the return of its nationals who had been deported from the US. The move sparked concern and confusion among South Sudanese citizens residing in the US and those planning to travel there.

Initially, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended its stance, stating that the individual in question had been wrongly identified as a South Sudanese national. According to the ministry, the person had no legitimate ties to the country and had been mistakenly deported.

However, in a dramatic climbdown, the South Sudanese government has now decided to accept the deportee. In an official statement, the government said the man would be allowed entry “in the spirit of the friendly relations” between Juba and Washington.

The decision is seen as an attempt to restore diplomatic ties and prevent further deterioration in relations with the United States, especially following the sweeping visa ban that could affect many South Sudanese citizens. It also underscores the importance both nations place on maintaining cooperation in international and immigration matters.