Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC

The Embassy graciously hosted a distinguished reception in honour of Second Secretary Odolla Owar Odolla.

His Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Santino Fardol W. Dicken, Head of Mission, together with the entire Embassy staff, warmly extended their sincere welcome to Mr. Odolla as he commences his official duties in Washington, D.C.

The Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, arrived in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to lead a high-level delegation at the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings.

The Minister’s visit is centred on advancing critical economic reforms and fostering international partnerships to stabilize the national economy.

Accompanying the Minister are key officials, including the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Honourable Johnny Ohisa Damian and the Undersecretary for Planning, Honourable Benjamin Ayali.

The Honourable Minister and delegation were welcomed by Ambassador. Dr. Santino Fardol Watod and Embassy Staff.

South Sudanese Diaspora in the United States Marks Christmas with a Call for Peace and Unity

The Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to the United States, H.E. Dr. Santino Fardol Watod Dicken, alongside H.E. Ambassador Cecilia Adut Manyok, Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations, joined members of the South Sudanese community in the United States (DMV Area) to celebrate Christmas in a spirit of prayer, unity, and national reflection. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Fardol underscored the central role of faith, unity, and collective responsibility in advancing peace and reconciliation among South Sudanese at home and in the diaspora. He commended the church for its enduring leadership in fostering harmony and moral guidance within the community.
“The unity we witness today is a powerful reminder that peace begins with us—wherever South Sudanese gather in faith, solidarity, and shared purpose,” Ambassador Fardol said.
The Embassy expressed its sincere appreciation to the church leadership, elders, and community leaders for organizing a successful and meaningful celebration that brought South Sudanese from diverse backgrounds together in fellowship and hope. The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan calls on all South Sudanese to continue promoting unity, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence as the foundations of national renewal and progress.

The Embassy Advisory Notice!

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, D.C., announces that H.E. Dr. Santino Fardol Watod Dicken, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Sudan to the United States, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Nolan Klein of the Office of East African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The meeting concentrated on issues of mutual interest relating to South Sudan–United States bilateral relations and was conducted in a constructive, friendly, and cooperative manner.

PUBLIC NOTICE – FAKE NEWS ALERT!

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, D.C., remains open and continues to operate fully and normally. The false news circulated by Sixty 4 Tribes Press is entirely untrue and intended to mislead the public and tarnish our government's image.
We urge all South Sudanese to dismiss such false reports and rely solely on official updates from the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The Embassy remains dedicated to assisting our citizens and enhancing South Sudan–U.S. relations.
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan – Washington, D.C.
November 6, 2025

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PRESS RELEASE
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan
Washington, D.C.
October 13, 2025.

South Sudan Delegation Participates in the 2025 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, D.C. wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) officially commenced today, Monday, October 13, 2025.
The South Sudan delegation is led by Hon. Athian Ding Athian, Minister of Finance and Planning, accompanied by Hon. Addis Ababa Othow, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, and Hon. Benjamin Ayali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. His Excellency Dr. Santino Fardol Watod Dicken, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Sudan to the United States, and members of his accompanying delegation are also participating in the meetings. The Annual Meetings provide an important platform for South Sudan to engage with international financial institutions, development partners, and investors to advance national priorities in economic reform, fiscal stability, and sustainable development. The meetings will conclude on October 18, 2025.

PUBLIC STATEMENT
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan – Washington, D.C.
August 28, 2025
False and Misleading Statement Posted by Hot in Juba

1- The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, D.C., strongly refutes the false and misleading report circulated by Hot in Juba, claiming that the United States has lifted travel restrictions on South Sudanese citizens.
2.- This report is inaccurate and misrepresents the Embassy’s communication. At no point did the Embassy announce or state that the United States lifted visa restrictions or a travel ban for South Sudanese passport holders. If the US were to lift visas for South Sudanese passport holders, such an announcement would be made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, not the embassy.
3- What the Embassy clearly communicated was explicitly aimed at students who have already been accepted into recognised U.S. higher education institutions. The Embassy encouraged these students to apply for their student visas as required by U.S. immigration procedures. At the same time, the Embassy emphasised that it cannot guarantee processing times or that visas will be issued before the start of the next academic cycle.
4- The Embassy reiterates that the statement pertains exclusively to student visa applicants and not to a general lifting of restrictions on South Sudanese citizens.
5- We urge the public to exercise caution when trusting media reports, as some may be inaccurate or misleading. The Embassy remains the sole official source of information on South Sudan–U.S. consular matters and will continue to share accurate updates.
6- The Embassy further calls upon media outlets,” The Hot in Juba”, to exercise responsibility, verify facts, and refrain from publishing reports that may create unnecessary confusion and raise false expectations among the South Sudanese public.
7- Please read the embassy’s statement posted today, 28th of August 2025: https://www.facebook.com/ERSSDC

END

Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan is the Official Diplomatic Mission to the United States of America.

Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan – Washington, D.C.
Public Notice to South Sudanese Students in the United States
Effective: August 28, 2025

Press Statement

Dear Students,

Further to the Embassy’s previous notification dated August 25, 2025, we hereby inform all South Sudanese students who have received an acceptance letter from a U.S. college or university that they can proceed to apply for their student visa through the U.S. Embassy where they reside.

We strongly encourage you to begin your application process immediately. Please be aware that the Embassy cannot guarantee processing times or that visas will be issued before the start of the next academic cycle.

For any questions or further information, please contact the Embassy using the details below.
Contact Information:
· Email: [email protected]
· Phone: +1 202-600-2238

The Embassy wishes all South Sudanese students the very best in their academic pursuits.

Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan – Washington, D.C.
Public Notice to South Sudanese Students in the United States
Effective: August 25, 2025

Dear Students,
1. Avoid traveling outside the United States for now. Due to current visa restrictions and revocations affecting South Sudanese nationals, you may be denied re-entry if you leave the U.S.
2. Comply fully with U.S. laws and your visa conditions. Maintain full-time enrollment, keep your SEVIS record current, avoid any unauthorized employment, and respect all federal, state, and local laws.
3. If your academic program requires you to transfer/change universities, please inform the Embassy before you take action: [email protected] (Attn: Education Desk).
4. For newly admitted students awaiting visa issuance, please remain patient. The Government of the Republic of South Sudan, through this Embassy, is actively engaging U.S. authorities to resolve these cases. Updates will be shared promptly.

Call the embassy during working hours at: +1202-600-2238
We appreciate your cooperation and prudence during this period.

South Sudan Embassy and Diaspora Celebrate 14 Years of Independence in the United States
Washington, D.C. – To mark the 14th anniversary of South Sudan's independence, the Embassy of South Sudan in the United States, in partnership with the South Sudanese Association, organised a lively celebration in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area (DMV). The event, held on 12 July 2025, brought together citizens, community leaders, and friends of South Sudan in a powerful display of unity and patriotism.

His Excellency Dr. Santino Fardol Watod Dicken, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Sudan to the United States, delivered a heartfelt speech to the gathering.

He commended the South Sudanese community for keeping their country close to their hearts despite the distance. He called on them to stay united, support the government, and actively contribute to national development.

The Ambassador delivered warm greetings on behalf of His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, highlighting the President’s dedication to peace, stability, and the welfare of all South Sudanese. He urged the diaspora to act as ambassadors of peace and to avoid involvement in activities that foment division or violence.

Ambassador Watod also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of the United States for their ongoing support. He commended the strong and expanding bilateral relationship between South Sudan and the United States, emphasising that it remains crucial to South Sudan’s development and international collaboration.

Finally, the Ambassador reaffirmed that the Embassy stands ready to serve all South Sudanese in the United States and remains a home for every citizen.

END
Issued by: Press Office, Embassy of South Sudan, Washington, D.C.