A South Sudanese student activist has called on the government of South Sudan to urgently engage with the government of Rwanda to address ongoing visa restrictions affecting South Sudanese students studying in Rwanda.
Ruot Mawich, a South Sudanese student leader, said many students are facing serious difficulties renewing their visas due to complicated administrative requirements. He explained that when a student’s visa expires, they are often required to travel to Uganda to renew their passport at the South Sudan Embassy in Kampala before they can reactivate their Rwandan visa.
Mawich noted that the South Sudan Ambassador to Uganda is currently responsible for assisting South Sudanese citizens not only in Uganda, but also in Rwanda and Burundi. He also expressed concern that the South Sudan Ambassador to Rwanda, who was appointed last year by the President, has yet to visit Rwanda since taking office.
He stressed that the South Sudanese government should treat the issue seriously, warning that the ongoing visa challenges are affecting students academically and emotionally.
“This issue should not be ignored because it is disturbing many students and affecting their concentration on their studies,” Mawich said.
However, he clarified that the Rwandan government has generally treated South Sudanese students fairly.
“The Rwandan government is not mistreating us unless someone breaks the law. Even then, they handle matters according to the level of the offence,” he added.
Mawich further argued that despite South Sudan becoming a member of the East African Community (EAC), Rwanda still maintains strict visa policies towards foreign nationals, including students.
He revealed that he has been speaking publicly about the issue for some time, including raising the matter through media interviews last year in an effort to attract the attention of the South Sudanese government.
“I continued discussing these restrictions affecting foreign students, particularly South Sudanese students studying here, until our government heard our concerns and appointed an ambassador to Rwanda to help address the problems,” he said.
Mawich, who previously served as a student leader within the South Sudanese Students Association in Rwanda, also highlighted the importance of unity among South Sudanese students abroad.
He said he has consistently encouraged South Sudanese students to see themselves as “one people and one community”.
Speaking to Oz Arab Media, Mawich said he hopes to strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Sudan and Rwanda and encourage discussions aimed at easing visa and travel restrictions affecting students.
Ruot Mawich Yak Deng is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Kigali Independent University.
