Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wani Yusuf
Published on 2024-03-21 08:12:46
The East African Legislative Assembly has expressed reservations about South Sudan’s membership in the East African Community, citing concerns over the country’s compliance with community regulations. The committee on legal, rules, and privileges presented a report highlighting that South Sudan has not fully implemented the necessary steps to become a full member of the East African Community.
Mary Mugyenyi, a Ugandan Representative at the East African Legislative Assembly, expressed surprise at the presence of alien countries in the East African block. She pointed out that South Sudanese citizens residing in East African countries are considered aliens and hold alien cards, indicating a lack of integration.
Ayason Mukulia Kenedy, a South Sudan lawmaker at the EALA, highlighted that South Sudan has not yet domesticated the treaty, rendering the laws of the East African Community inapplicable in the country. This lack of domestication has hindered trade facilitation and harmonization with other member states.
Rose Akol, an EALA lawmaker from Uganda, also emphasized the challenges faced due to the lack of treaty harmonization and domestication in South Sudan. Despite being allocated a budget for integration in 2018 and 2019, South Sudan has not implemented the necessary measures for full membership in the East African Community.
Jeremiah Woda, a South Sudan representative at the East African parliament, acknowledged that while the government has allocated a budget for the treaty, implementation has not taken place. This delay has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations as a member of the community.
Dr. Gabriel Arol Garang defended South Sudan’s integration efforts, stating that it is the most accepting nation in the region in terms of allowing East Africans to work and move freely within its borders. However, the lack of treaty domestication remains a significant obstacle to full membership in the East African Community.
Peninah Malonza, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary responsible for East African Community Affairs, pledged to address the issue within six months. The Council aims to encourage South Sudan to adhere to its treaty obligations and provide detailed feedback on the matter within the specified period.
According to the East African community treaty, new members have 12 months to domesticate the treaty, but South Sudan has not completed this process since joining in 2016. This failure to comply with the treaty requirements raises concerns about the legality of South Sudan’s membership in the East African Community.
Additionally, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia are other East African countries that have yet to domesticate their treaties following their recent admission to the regional block. This highlights a broader issue of compliance and integration within the East African Community and emphasizes the importance of adherence to community regulations for seamless cooperation and development.
Read the original article on Talk of Juba
