South Sudan has 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 says the repatriation was carried out through diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law and established diplomatic procedures.

Speaking to journalists at Juba International Airport, the ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, said both governments worked with their respective authorities to agree on arrangements for Nilakout’s return.

“The two sides have worked together through their respective diplomatic channels and competent authorities to agree on the arrangements for his return,” Ambassador Apuk said.

She said the Lao government provided a formal guarantee concerning Nilakout’s treatment upon arrival, including respect for applicable international human rights obligations.

Ambassador Apuk added that 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.

“Our objective is to ensure that the transfer was orderly, safe, and handled with due regard to his individual rights,” she said.

Five deportees remain in South Sudan

According to Ambassador Apuk, South Sudan currently has five other third-country deportees in the country.

She said 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.

“We will continue to handle the remaining cases in the same constructive and responsible manner,” Ambassador Apuk said.

Nilakout thanks South Sudan

Speaking at the airport before his departure, Nilakout thanked the government and people of South Sudan for hosting him and facilitating his return to Laos.

He said authorities provided him with the necessities he needed during his stay at the guest house.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank South Sudan to welcome me to this country and to help me get to my native-born country, the country of Laos,” Nilakout said.

He expressed appreciation to the staff at the guest house, security personnel and government officials who he said assisted him during his stay.

Nilakout also wished South Sudan peace and prosperity.

“After learning about South Sudan, I just hope for the best of luck for South Sudan and may everyone be at peace and prosper as a country,” he said.

Asked about his plans after returning home, Nilakout said he was ready to resume work in Laos and hoped for a positive future there.

“Yes, I’m ready to go back to Laos and work. Hopefully everything will go well there for me as well,” he said.

Nilakout’s 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.