South Sudan: Repatriates Thongxay Nilakout Laos After US Deportation

• South Sudan successfully repatriated Thongxay Nilakout, a Lao national, on October 8, 2026.
• Nilakout was among eight third-country nationals deported from the United States to South Sudan in July 2025.
• The repatriation followed diplomatic consultations between the South Sudanese and Lao governments, adhering to international law.
• Laos provided a formal guarantee for Nilakout's humane treatment and respect for international human rights upon his return.
• South Sudan has previously repatriated Mexican and Vietnamese nationals and is working to return five remaining individuals from Myanmar, Cuba, and Makula Kintu.

The repatriation of the Lao national deported from the US was meticulously arranged through established diplomatic channels, adhering strictly to international law and recognized diplomatic procedures.

South Sudan's foreign ministry recently announced the successful repatriation of Thongxay Nilakout, a Lao national who had been deported from the United States in July 2025. Nilakout, who was among eight third-country nationals initially sent to South Sudan following their deportation from the U.S., departed for his home country, Laos – a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia – on Thursday, October 8, 2026. This significant development was confirmed by Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the foreign ministry, who addressed reporters at Juba International Airport.

Nilakout expressed profound gratitude to the South Sudanese government and its people for their support during his stay in Juba and for facilitating his journey back home. He specifically acknowledged the assistance provided by authorities, security personnel, and guesthouse staff during his time residing at a guesthouse in Juba. Nilakout concluded his remarks by extending wishes for peace and prosperity to South Sudan, underscoring the positive nature of his experience despite the complex circumstances of his initial arrival.

The repatriation of the Lao national deported from the US was meticulously arranged through established diplomatic channels, adhering strictly to international law and recognized diplomatic procedures. Ambassador Mayen emphasized that the South Sudanese government engaged in extensive consultations with the Lao government to ensure a smooth and lawful transfer. A crucial aspect of this process was a formal guarantee provided by the Lao government concerning Nilakout's treatment upon his arrival, specifically committing to respect applicable international human rights obligations.

This case highlights South Sudan's commitment to managing complex international repatriations for third-country nationals with due diligence. The foreign ministry's objective, as articulated by Mayen, is to "facilitate appropriate arrangements for their safe and humane repatriation to their respective countries of origin," demonstrating a principled approach to such sensitive matters.

Thongxay Nilakout's return to Laos is part of a broader pattern of South Sudan actively assisting in the repatriation of individuals deported from the United States who are not its own citizens. Prior to this, South Sudan successfully repatriated Mexican national Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez in September 2025, and Vietnamese national Tuan Phan, aged 44, in June 2026. These instances underscore the nation's growing role as a facilitator in multi-jurisdictional deportation matters.

Currently, five other third-country nationals remain in South Sudan, comprising two individuals from Myanmar, two from Cuba, and Makula Kintu. The South Sudanese government is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with their respective countries to arrange their safe and humane return, mirroring the protocols and dedication shown in the case of the US deportee Thongxay Nilakout and others. This ongoing work solidifies South Sudan's position as a key player in navigating the intricate landscape of international immigration and human rights.

This case demonstrates South Sudan's active role in facilitating complex international repatriations for third-country nationals, highlighting the practical application of international law and diplomatic protocols for lawyers advising on immigration, human rights, or multi-jurisdictional deportation matters.

Source: Original reporting via foreign ministry statements