YouTube Series ‘Hawks AF’ Featuring D.C. Young Fly Joins Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media
'We look forward to working with D.C. Young Fly and the Atlanta Hawks organization to bring their phenomenal content to an even wider audience,' Shannon Sharpe said
Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media has announced that it is adding the YouTube video series Hawks AF (And Friends) to its lineup of shows.
The show, hosted on the Atlanta Hawks YouTube channel, features comedian D.C. Young Fly as he talks to top entertainers, athletes, recording artists, and celebrities from the Atlanta area. The series just released its sixth show on April 8. Hawks AF joins other shows under the Shay Shay Media umbrella, which includes Club Shay Shay, Nightcap, The Bubba Dub Show, Humble Baddies, and Club 520, featuring former Hawks star Jeff Teague.
“As a Georgia native, I’ve seen firsthand how Atlanta has grown into a hub for sports, music and entertainment,” said Sharpe in a written statement. “Credit to the Hawks for capturing that cultural dialogue with Hawks AF. We look forward to working with D.C. Young Fly and the Atlanta Hawks organization to bring their phenomenal content to an even wider audience.”
The show debuted in November 2024 when recording artist J.I.D. joined D.C. Young Fly to discuss his beginnings in Atlanta on his way to becoming a rapper. The latest episode features Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who reveals another gig he has when he is not on the basketball court.
“Shay Shay Media is the perfect partner to amplify Hawks AF. Club Shay Shay and Shannon Sharpe have authentically blended the worlds of sports, entertainment, and music with real storytelling. With D.C. as our host, we are doing something similar in Hawks AF but with a ‘True to Atlanta’ vibe,” said Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Proctor.
The Shay Shay Media community has more than 10 million followers, and in 2024, the content on its channel generated more than 10 billion YouTube impressions.
Hawks AF has already featured Joe Johnson, actress and entertainer Crystal Renee Haslett, and singer/songwriter Mariah the Scientist. Upcoming episodes include a sitdown with ‘the Human Highlight Reel,’ the legendary NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, and award-winning film producer Will Packer.
Episodes of Hawks AF are shot and produced by Hawks Studios. The concept for the show was developed by the Atlanta Hawks’ marketing and creative teams.
Loved Ones Celebrate Late Republican U.S. Rep Mia Love’s Legacy During Emotional Ceremony
During Monday's ceremony, loved ones and Utah leaders reflected on the late politician's life stories and her hopes for American leaders.
An April 7 ceremony gathered hundreds of loved ones with heavy hearts to honor late Republican politician Mia Love at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion in Salt Lake City, Utah.
According to the Associated Press, the entrance of the church was lined with American flags as attendees observed family photos and bouquets of red and white flowers. Her husband, Jason Love, stood before the crowd to reflect on stories of his wife and her “superpowers” as a mother. “She was an extraordinary mother, and she believed that the most important work she would do within her life was within the walls of her own home with her children,” Jason told ceremony attendees. “She always made it a special place for each of them to feel loved and to begin to achieve their full potential.”
Friends serenaded the crowd with a lineup of some of the former U.S. Rep’s favorite songs, which included Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers.” Children of the late politician, Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton, read an op-ed published by their mother in the Deseret News, which expressed her wish for more unity among the nation. Cyndi Brito said her late sister was the best at everything and always made everyone feel important. A speech from her daughter’s elementary school Black History Month show read, “‘Mia Love played many roles and had many titles, but the most important role and the most important title that Mia Love played in my eyes was auntie.’”
Rep. Love was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the former Utah mayor was surrounded by family in March as she died peacefully in her Saratoga Springs home at age 49. At the ceremony, Love’s close friend, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, recalled Love’s request to family and loved ones to rally around her like a campaign team as she faced her cancer diagnosis. “This is a campaign, and we are going to win,’” Love said, according to Henderson.
“It’s been a week since my Sweetheart’s passing, and I miss her beyond words,” said Jason in a March 30 public invitation to celebrate the life and legacy of his wife.
Jason Love: It's been a week since my Sweetheart's passing and I miss her beyond words. I feel Mia's love for our children and her desire to leave them a stronger American when I watch this performance.https://t.co/5ElY1uLofU
On Sunday, April 6, Mia will lie in state from 5:30…
Love’s political legacy commenced over two decades ago after she secured her seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council as a Black Republican and Mormon woman.She made history in 2009 after she became the first Black woman to serve as Utah’s mayor. Born Ludmya Bourdeau, she was the daughter of Haitian immigrants. Love blasted President Donald Trump in 2018 over his comments about Haitian immigrants and those from El Salvador and African nations. Love urged U.S. officials to lead with compassion and honesty.
Ahead of Monday’s ceremony, state leaders paid respects to the late politician Sunday evening during a visit to the Utah Capitol, where Love’s coffin was covered in a flag and positioned behind ropes in the building’s rotunda.
Norfolk Mayor Announces New Initiative To Crack Down On Shoplifters
Mayor Kenny Alexander takes a jab at city prosecutors.
In his State of the City Address, Norfolk City Mayor Kenny Alexander expressed his desire for the city to hold shoplifters accountable. The Mayor described the perceived lack of prosecution for theft as “unacceptable.”
“In Norfolk, we intend to support businesses impacted by shoplifting by passing a city ordinance that enables the city to prosecute shoplifting,” Alexander said in his April 5 address. “Enforcing this crime under city code will allow Norfolk to take action where the Commonwealth has not,” the Mayor said.
Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney Ramin Fatehi, who was sitting in the front row during the Mayor’s address, responded to the mayor’s announcement. Fatehi stated that the Mayor’s claim that his office is not prosecuting shoplifters is “absolutely false.”
The Commonwealth Attorney stated that his office has prosecuted hundreds of shoplifting cases over the past year. Fatehi noted an 11% decrease in shoplifting in 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Fatehi said that his office lacks sufficient staff to prosecute misdemeanor crimes and has requested 10 additional prosecutors “for years.” Nonetheless, the city council has not approved hiring these extra staff members.
“The best thing to do is to provide the resources so that there are prosecutors in the courtroom so that business owners and police aren’t there to fend for themselves,” Fatehi told WAVY News.
When asked whether he viewed the Mayor’s remarks as a direct attack on his office, Fatehi responded affirmatively, stating that the Mayor has criticized him for years. He also suggested that Mayor Alexander’s critique was politically motivated. Fatehi will face John Butler in the upcoming Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney race. Alexander has publicly endorsed Butler.
During his address, the Mayor also shared updates about a significant city project: the redevelopment of Military Circle Mall, which has remained closed for over two years. Mayor Alexender announced that the city would construct a fitness center, a community library, and a mixed-use community center at the former mall’s site.
Trump Administration Criticized For Allegedly Withholding FEMA Funds From Blue States
Oregon claims that FEMA has frozen more than $120 million in disaster relief. Hawaii says the agency has failed to answer a $6 million request for aid to rebuild after devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023.
In March, Judge McConnell issued a preliminary injunction that favored the nearly dozens of states that sued the federal government over plans to pause state aid. McConnell said the federal government’s plan “fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government” and ordered the Trump administration to end the funding pause immediately.
Weeks after the injunction, McConnell found the Trump administration breached the court’s order after 19 states, all with Democratic attorney generals, presented “undisputed evidence” that they were not receiving the congressionally approved FEMA funds.
Blue States Say They Have Yet To Receive FEMA Funding
Oregon claims that FEMA has frozen over $120 million in disaster relief. Hawaii says the agency has failed to answer a $6 million request for aid to rebuild after devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023.
However, the Trump administration responded by stating that FEMA is implementing a new manual review process for allocating funding, which it claims to be allowed under the court’s current injunction.
McDonnell, however, says the administration appears to be withholding the funds “covertly” under President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order that says sanctuary states don’t receive federal aid.
“The states have presented evidence that strongly suggests that FEMA is implementing this manual review process based, covertly, on the president’s Jan. 20, 2025, executive order’ — ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasions,’” the judge said.
The judge has ordered FEMA to “immediately cease” its manual review process and comply with the original court order.
However, it doesn’t seem the administration will give the states the FEMA funding anytime soon.
“This is yet another example of an activist judge trying to obstruct President Trump’s agenda,” a Department of Homeland Security senior official told Courthouse News.
The spokesperson adds, “At the direction of Secretary Noem, FEMA has implemented additional controls to ensure that all grant program activity is consistent with law and does not promote fraud, waste, or abuse, as it has in the past. We will continue to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and for mission-critical efforts.”
Why Inc. Named Thomas Consulting Group (TCG) Among The Southeast’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
Thomas says being listed by Inc. is an honor, proudly highlighting the accomplishment on the company’s website homepage.
New Orleans-based government services and social impact firm Thomas Consulting Firm (TCG) was listed at No.15 on Inc.com’s 2025 Regionals: Southeast List as one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing companies.
The accomplishment ranks the Black-women-owned-and-founded company among the most successful small businesses in the Southeast, including South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Louisiana.
According to a press release from Cole Media, since opening its doors in 2013, TCG has provided change management and operational improvement services to cities needing assistance in solving complex challenges. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Michelle L. Thomas, TCG has been labeled a leader in improving system processes and aligning operations, resulting in higher efficient government performance and focusing on periods of leadership transition and crisis, especially during transition or crisis.
Thomas says being listed by Inc. is an honor, proudly highlighting the accomplishment on the company’s homepage. “As part of the Southeast region’s most dynamic business segment, we are honored to be featured alongside other trailblazing companies driving growth and innovation,” Thomas said.
Inc.’s Regionals lists some of the most prestigious rankings of fastest-growing private companies in the region, and for good reason. Between 2021 and 2023, independent businesses like TCG showed a median growth rate of 114%, adding an additional 11,493 jobs and $8.1 billion to the regional economy. Thomas says the company is “equally proud to play a key role in boosting the regional economy,” highlighting how they did it. “We have diversified our client base and methodically expanded our services to cities and communities around the nation,” the leader revealed.
Working with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program to develop a growth plan, TCG came out on top of the list with 785% growth during the recorded period.
The company’s success within metro cities across the U.S. should be recognized, especially the successful transition of city mayors. Thomas was credited for her work in Newark, New Jersey, where she was tasked with steering the city’s budget through one of the worst economic crises in the city’s history. Clarion-Ledger reported that Thomas worked to cut the city’s deficit by $105 million, which was more than half.
Before starting TCG, Thomas was one of the highest-paid New Orleans City Hall officials while serving as deputy mayor of operations. Roles such as this sparked relationships with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and city governments in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Texas, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, working with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the Orleans Parish School Board, Hinds County, and the Finance Authority of New Orleans.
Wallo267 Seen Seemingly Helping Police Save Man From Jumping Off Bridge
A video has gone viral showing the podcast host talking to a man who looked like he was going to jump off a bridge
A video has gone viral showing Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast host Wallo267 seemingly helping police handle a potential suicide incident on a bridge.
In a video clip circulating via social media, a person in a car is seen driving by what looks like a man sitting on the bridge, apparently threatening to jump into the water. As the man in the vehicle passes by the scene, there is a police vehicle on the side, with two police officers and Wallo looking like they are trying to talk him down. The person filming the scene is heard acknowledging Wallo and saying, “Look at Wallo trying to save a man.”
No details have been released about the situation, and Wallo has not spoken about what happened.
However, his podcast partner and cousin, Gille Da Kid, posted the video on his social media account and commented on what was going on.
“He outside trying to stop people from jumping fake a&& negotiator 🤦🏾♂️ @wallo267 good job Lo 😂”
Wallo, a former convict who has turned his life around, is known for reaching out to people to help them straighten out their lives. In a scene captured on video last year, the Philadelphia native was seen giving oft-troubled Florida recording artist Kodak Black some advice.
“Look at me, man,” he says to Kodak. “Listen: You special. Don’t ever doubt yourself, and you got them babies counting on you. Now, there’s gonna be times where you gonna doubt yourself, you gonna be in pain, but them babies counting on you. You got to be here.”
Wallo has also written a book documenting his troubles and path to redemption. He stated that he wrote Armed With Good Intentions to ensure that others can relate and follow a similar path.
If an actor (Ronald Reagan) and a reality TV personality (Donald Trump) can become Presidents of the United States, can a sports analyst (Stephen A. Smith) follow the same path?
According to a social media post by the controversial ESPN host, he may be thinking about making the move for the 2028 general elections.
“Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open.”
Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess.
Smith, who has no issue commenting on any and everything through several platforms, posted a recent article by Barrett Media to his social media feed that covered a conversation he had at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show in Las Vegas. In the conversation, he stated that he has no desire to become a politician, but due to recent discussions with several people, he may have a change of heart.
The First Take host claims he’s been approached by other politicians and people on Capitol Hill about a foray into politics.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it,” he stated. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously asked me about it. I have no desire to be a politician, but I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door. I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility. If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess and there’s legitimate reason to believe … that I indeed have a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States. I am not going to rule it out.”
How To Scale A Restaurant From A Single Location To Several
Growing a restaurant takes a solid plan, smart decisions, and strong support
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” — Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made Black millionaire
Many Black restaurant owners dream of expanding, but challenges like funding, staffing, and maintaining quality can make it tough. Still, plenty of Black-owned restaurants, such as Slutty Vegan and Trap Kitchen, have successfully scaled — and so can you!
Growing a restaurant takes a solid plan, smart decisions, and strong support. Let’s break down the strategies to help you expand, get funding, and build a thriving restaurant business.
1. Start with a Solid Foundation
Getty Images
Your current operations must run smoothly before you open more locations. If your first restaurant isn’t profitable, adding more locations will only create bigger problems, including higher labor costs.
Make sure your single restaurant business is making money. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like cash flow, profit margins, and customer loyalty.
Build a strong brand. When people walk into your restaurant — whether it’s the first or fifth location — they should feel the same vibe, service, and food quality. That’s brand consistency, which creates loyal customers.
Create a playbook. Document your recipes, training, and daily restaurant operations so every location delivers the same great restaurant experience. Clear operational adjustments maintain high standards and efficient operations across all your locations.
2. Choose Your Growth Strategy
Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-and-woman-having-conversation-while-sitting-near-the-table-with-laptop-7550542/
To scale your restaurant business successfully, you need a solid understanding of how to run a successful restaurant. The best path for growth depends on your goals, budget, and how much control you want to keep.
Open More Locations Yourself
(Photo: iStock/monkeybusinessimages)
Opening more locations yourself gives you full control over your brand, food, and customer experience. However, it requires significant time, money, and staff management. This approach works best for restaurateurs with a successful first location and strong leadership skills.
Franchising
(Photo: RDNE Stock project/via Pexels)
Franchising lets others open restaurants under your brand, allowing for faster growth without using your own money. However, you need strong systems to maintain quality and consistency. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks scaled successfully this way. This works best for restaurateurs with a proven concept that attracts investors.
Partnerships & Investors
Photo: wirestock/freepik
Partnering with investors can help you grow faster by sharing costs and responsibilities, but it also means giving up some control and profits. This option is best for restaurateurs who need funding but prefer not to franchise.
Ghost Kitchens & Pop-ups
(Photo: pixdeluxe/Getty Images)
Ghost kitchens and pop-ups let you test new markets with lower costs and less risk. While they save money, they don’t offer the same visibility as a physical restaurant. Best for restaurateurs exploring new locations or adding delivery or online ordering-only options.
3. Find the Right Funding
(Photo: iStock)
Your restaurant’s financial health is often the biggest roadblock to expansion, but there are ways to secure funding.
Business Loans & Grants
Business loans and grants can provide the funding you need to grow. Grants from organizations like the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) or local Black business programs don’t need repayment, while loans from Black-owned banks, credit unions, or SBA programs offer structured terms but require good credit and a solid business plan. Detroit Vegan Soul successfully used these funding options to expand, making them ideal for restaurateurs with a clear growth strategy.
Community Investment
Community investment allows loyal customers and supporters to help fund your expansion through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe. Another option is cooperative ownership, where community members invest in exchange for perks like discounts or profit-sharing. This approach works best for restaurateurs with strong community ties and a dedicated customer base.
Angel Investors & Venture Capital
Angel investors and venture capital firms can provide significant funding for rapid expansion, often in exchange for equity. Black-led investment groups like the Fearless Fund and New Voices Fund offer both capital and mentorship to support growth. This option is best for high-growth restaurants aiming to scale across multiple cities.
Financing Your Kitchen Equipment
Buying commercial kitchen equipment can be costly, but you have options. Save money by purchasing quality used equipment, leasing or financing through companies like SilverChef, or using business loans and grants. These funding options make it easier for Black restaurateurs to access essential equipment without draining their cash flow, helping them scale their businesses more efficiently.
4. Build a Strong Team
(Photo: iStock)
You can’t do it all alone! A great team keeps your restaurant running smoothly as you grow. Train your managers so they can handle new locations without you being there every day. Keep your employees happy by recognizing their hard work and creating a positive work culture.
Use a simple hiring system to find the right people who share your values. Embracing technology, like a kitchen display system, can also make training easier and help your team deliver great service at every location.
5. Learn from Others
Photo by PeopleImages/Getty Images
Success leaves clues. Study how successful Black restaurateurs scaled their businesses by refining restaurant operations, marketing strategies, and embracing technology.
Mentorship & Networking
Connect with experienced restaurant owners, industry groups, and organizations like the National Black Chamber of Commerce for guidance on operations, overhead costs, and digital marketing. A restaurant consultant can also help improve efficiency and profitability.
Case Studies
Black-owned restaurants like Slutty Vegan and The Breakfast Klub scaled by leveraging social media, building strong customer loyalty, and tapping into market demand. Learning from their business models can help shape your own expansion strategy.
6. Market Your Growth
(Photo: VAZHNIK/Pexels)
Marketing attracts more guests and maintains a profitable restaurant. Strong marketing efforts boost sales, engage customers, and drive sustainable growth while maintaining a consistent experience across multiple locations.
Use social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) to showcase your food, engage loyal customers, and attract new ones. Targeted marketing, exclusive online deals, and positive reviews help boost visibility and drive more customers to your restaurant.
Create a buzz with grand opening specials, influencer partnerships, and community events. Use digital marketing to attract more customers while showcasing your commitment to better service and reducing food waste.
Community and customer engagement strengthens your brand and keeps customers coming back. Partner with local businesses, support events, and gather customer feedback to adapt and improve your restaurant for future growth.
Looking Ahead
(Image: Getty)
Scaling your restaurant is a journey that requires planning, financial strategy, and strong leadership. By securing funding, investing in restaurant technology, and staying focused on customer preferences, you can build a thriving restaurant chain.
Next Steps? Join Black business networking groups, apply for restaurant grants, and start planning your new location today!
Rep. John James Announces Bid To Become The First Black Governor Of Michigan
Some of Michigan’s Democratic voters and leaders denounced James’ announcement, calling him a failure that’s too scared to address issues at town halls.
Michigan’s Republican Rep. John James announced a bid to become the state’s first Black governor ahead of what’s labeled as one of the most vital elections of 2026, NBC News reports.
James posted the news across his social media channels, challenging Michigan’s Democratic leadership and claiming, “It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to common sense.”
“Our state has suffered enough. Michigan is strong. Our people are strong,” he wrote with a photo of his family. “But we are being held back by a lack of strong, competent leadership — leadership with real-world experience in the areas Michiganders need most.”
Faith and Family. God and Country. Service Before Self.
The Donald Trump loyalist started his political journey in Washington in 2022 after winning a competitive race for an open seat following two unsuccessful Senate bids. However, his presence marked a win for GOP members. Aligning with other Black Republican House members like Rep. Byron Donalds and Wesley Hunt, he was able to make an appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC), making him a staple in the world of “Make America Great Again,” which he touched on in his gubernatorial bid announcement.
“President Donald Trump and I have been in each other’s corner through thick and this for eight years — no reason that will end now,” James wrote.
While the President has yet to comment publicly on the race, the congressman says Trump is “doing his part to ‘Make American Great Again’” and will do his part to “bring prosperity and sanity back to Michigan.”
A poll conducted by Harbor Public Affairs in January 2025 revealed James was a leader among other possible Republican candidates, holding a lead of 40%, according to Politico. However, not all Michigan residents feel he is the state’s next leader, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer is at her term limit and can’t run again.
Some of Michigan’s Democratic voters and leaders denounced James’ announcement, calling him a failure who’s too scared to address issues at town halls. A few voters called him out for his lack of town hall appearances. “Try holding a town hall first,” @ayesuhvt said.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. released a statement saying the state needs a leader who will fight for everyone, and James is not that person. John James has spent his career failing in statewide elections and failing to show up for his own district, so why would we trust him to show up for Michiganders as governor?” Hertel Jr. said.
“At a time when Donald Trump is tanking our economy, Michigan needs a leader who won’t just fight for billionaires, but will fight for everyone -– John James is not that man.”
His district, including southern Macomb County and parts of Rochester Hills and Oakland County, is considered a key battleground area for next year’s race. The gloves are already on as former special victims’ prosecutor Christina Hines launched her bid for James’ congressional seat on the Democratic ticket.
Duke Basketball Star Could Face Deportation Under Trump Ruling Against South Sudan
Malauch is one of the few South Sudanese nationals with visas in the U.S.
A Duke men’s basketball team standout from South Sudan could face deportation as President Trump revokes the visas of passport holders from the African nation.
South Sudanese nationals now risk removal from the United States following a new policy by Trump. According toNBC News, Trump released the visa ban over the final weekend of the March Madness Tournament. This latest ruling could impact Duke basketball star Khaman Maluach, whose season ended with elimination in the Final Four round.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement on April 5 confirming the visa ban. The issue came about as the country sent back a man it believed was inaccurately identified as South Sudanese, which Rubio deemed a refusal to promptly accept U.S. deportees.
“It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States,” expressed Rubio.
The statement came hours after Duke was eliminated from the NCAA men’s March Madness tournament. Shortly after the news broke, the university’s communications, marketing, and public affairs vice president confirmed they were aware of the apparent policy change.
“We are looking into the situation and working expeditiously to understand any implications for Duke students,” Tramble said.
South Sudan nationals had significantly fewer visas, with only 46 issued in January than those from neighboring East African nations. The ban also prohibits new visa issuances.
“We will be prepared to review these actions when South Sudan is in full cooperation,” added Rubio.
BBC confirmed on April 8 that South Sudan would accept the man” in the spirit of friendly relations.” Although they confirmed the man in question as a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan agreed to let the man arrive in its capital city of Juba as early as April 9.
“As a result of this decision, the government has instructed the relevant authorities at Juba International Airport to facilitate [his] arrival,” South Sudan’s foreign ministry said in Tuesday’s statement.
The reversed decision aims to soothe tensions between the two countries, especially as South Sudan enters a transitional government period. Maluach, who played for his home country at the 2024 Olympics, has yet to comment on the immigration matter.
