South Sudan has successfully repatriated a Lao national who was transferred to the country by the United States as part of a group of third-country deportees. Thongxay Nilakout departed Juba on Thursday, October 8, 2026, for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic following an agreement between the governments of South Sudan and Laos. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed that the repatriation was carried out through diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law.
The repatriation was made possible through collaboration between the governments of South Sudan and Laos, with both countries working together to agree on arrangements for Nilakout’s return. Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the two governments worked with their respective authorities to facilitate Nilakout’s repatriation. The Lao government provided a formal guarantee concerning Nilakout’s treatment upon arrival, including respect for applicable international human rights obligations.
According to Ambassador Apuk, Nilakout was treated with respect for his human dignity and fundamental rights throughout his stay in South Sudan. The spokesperson described the repatriation as an example of what diplomatic engagement and cooperation between governments can achieve. The objective of the transfer was to ensure that it was orderly, safe, and handled with due regard to Nilakout’s individual rights.
There are currently five other third-country deportees in South Sudan, according to Ambassador Apuk. One South Sudanese national was among the eight deportees transferred to Juba from the United States in July 2025 and was subsequently released. Of the remaining seven, a Mexican national was repatriated in September 2025, while a Vietnamese national was repatriated earlier this year.
The five remaining cases comprise two Myanmar nationals, two Cuban nationals, and Makula Kintu, who was transferred to South Sudan separately in April 2025. The government says it is continuing to engage with the relevant governments and international partners to facilitate the safe and humane repatriation of those still in South Sudan. Ambassador Apuk assured that the government will handle the remaining cases in a constructive and responsible manner.
Before his departure, Nilakout expressed gratitude to the government and people of South Sudan for hosting him and facilitating his return to Laos. He appreciated the staff at the guest house, security personnel, and government officials who assisted him during his stay. Nilakout also wished South Sudan peace and prosperity, expressing his hopes for a positive future for the country.
Upon his return to Laos, Nilakout plans to resume work and is hopeful for a positive future. His departure marks another step in South Sudan’s efforts to resolve the cases of foreign nationals transferred to the country through diplomatic engagement with their governments. The successful repatriation demonstrates the country’s commitment to handling such cases in a responsible and humane manner.
Key points
- South Sudan repatriated a Lao national, Thongxay Nilakout, who was deported from the US as part of a group of third-country deportees.
- The repatriation was carried out through diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law.
- Five other third-country deportees remain in South Sudan, with the government working to facilitate their safe and humane repatriation.
