South Sudan Ignores African Court Ruling on Citizenship Rights
Juba, 18 February 2026
Former South Sudanese MP Ms Animu A. Risasi remains stateless after authorities stripped her nationality in 2018, claiming without evidence she was Ugandan. Despite the African Commission ruling in August 2024 ordering restoration of her citizenship, South Sudan has missed the 26 January 2026 compliance deadline. Seven human rights organisations condemn the government’s inaction, warning it undermines continental human rights protection and affects broader citizenship disputes impacting South Sudanese nationals considering repatriation from refugee camps.
Legal Framework Under Threat
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights delivered its ruling in August 2024, determining that South Sudan had arbitrarily deprived Ms Risasi of her nationality [1]. The Commission’s decision ordered the Government of South Sudan to restore her nationality and documentation, reinstate her rights, provide compensation, prevent repetition of such abuses, and train officials on proper procedures [1]. However, the initial 180-day compliance period lapsed on 26 January 2026, with South Sudan taking no steps to implement the decision [1].
Personal Impact of Statelessness
Ms Animu A. Risasi, speaking about her prolonged ordeal, described the profound personal cost of statelessness: “The continued silence and inaction from the South Sudanese authorities at every level in addressing this injustice has been deeply painful and has unfairly defined and confined my life for years. Prolonged statelessness is not an abstract legal question—it is a daily existence shaped by fear, uncertainty, humiliation, and the constant ache of not belonging anywhere” [1]. Her case began in 2018 when South Sudanese authorities withdrew her passport and nationality certificate based on unsubstantiated claims that she was a Ugandan citizen, effectively rendering her stateless [1].
Continental Human Rights at Risk
Seven prominent human rights organisations have condemned South Sudan’s inaction, warning of broader implications for Africa’s human rights framework [1]. Dr Musa Kika, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), emphasised the stakes: “If the African Commission’s decisions can be ignored without consequence, the entire architecture of human rights protection on our continent is weakened. South Sudan’s continued inaction is not only a failure toward Ms. Animu, but also a violation of its binding obligations under the African Charter. Compliance is not optional — it is a legal obligation” [1]. The coalition includes the Global Movement Against Statelessness (GMAS), the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion (ISI), IHRDA, the Southern African Nationality Network (SANN), the Eastern Africa Nationality Network (EANN), the Pan African Nationality Network (PANN), and Equality Now [1].
Wider Implications for Refugees and Repatriation
This case highlights ongoing citizenship disputes that affect many South Sudanese nationals and could significantly impact those considering repatriation from refugee camps [GPT]. The organisations have called upon UNHCR to support Ms Animu and engage with the Government of South Sudan to facilitate implementation of the African Commission’s decision [1]. They stress that advocacy will continue for Ms Animu and others whose right to nationality is denied or at risk, whilst urging the African Union, regional bodies, and international partners to support efforts holding states accountable [1]. The case underscores the critical importance of the African Union Protocol on the Specific Aspects of the Right to a Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness in Africa, adopted in February 2024, though no state has yet ratified it [1]. The organisations emphasise that fifteen ratifications are needed for the treaty to become binding [1].