The government of South Sudan has described the official admission of the country to the East Africa Community as ‘historical’ to create a global competitive East Africa.

JUBA, 05 March 2016 [Gurtong]-H.E. James Wani Igga, South Sudan‘s 2nd Vice President who headed the delegation to Arusha, said that South Sudan will now enhance cooperation between the other member States.

“……As members of the community we will enhance our cooperation with the region in many areas including: In governance, economic, political and defense areas” said Igga in Arusha on Thursday.

He said South Sudan had made a clear statement expressing the need to be part of East Africa Bloc.

“This is not surprising, as South Sudan is historically, economically and ethnically a part and parcel of greater East Africa region” he said, “together we stand a better chance to create a globally competitive East Africa” said Igga.

Officials described South Sudan’s admission to the East African Community as a decisive shift in the young nations’ foreign and economic policies.

Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information and government spokesperson said joining the EAC i great achievement.

“I am happy to inform the people of South Sudan that after the lengthy negotiations, the Republic of South Sudan has been admitted into the East African Community” Makuei said.

“This is a great achievement and this will be of great benefit to the people of South Sudan in terms of economic, social and security benefits” Makuei added.

The Information Minister further said, “We are happy that we are being admitted into the East African Community and from there we will start a new page in our relation with the members of the EAC.”

Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, said the President is yet to sign the treaty.

“What remains from here is that the President will be able to sign the treaty and once this treaty is signed, it will come to South Sudan through the Ministry of Justice which will then take it to the council of ministers for approval then it goes to the National Parliament for ratification” Marial explains.

“But as we stands here we are member six of the EAC” Marial told reporters upon arrival at Juba International Airport on Friday.

Hon. Aggrey Tisa Sabuni, Presidential Advisor and Co-Chair of the Delegation said the big work now begins for South Sudan through its various agencies stressing on the implementation.
The Republic of South Sudan was accepted as member number six in the East Africa Community in the 17th ordinary summit of East African Community(EAC) Heads of State on the 2nd March 2016 in Arusha-Tanzania under the theme: EAC: Advancing Market-Driven Integration.

The declaration of the membership of the Republic of South Sudan in East African Community (EAC) made by the President of Tanzania who is the chairman of the East African Community (EAC) H. E. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli was received with handful of applauds by heads of State.

In 2011, immediately after its independence, South Sudan applied to the bloc to be admitted as a member State in the region.

Source: Gurtong

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