South Sudan nears joining East Africa Community: minister

October 12, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan will soon become a member of the East African Community, currently consisting of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

South Sudan’s foreign affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin said a technical committee recommended his country’s admission into the regional bloc (EAC).

“The final session has actually shown the Republic of South Sudan is qualified to become a member of east African community,” Marial told reporters on Monday.

South Sudan applied for the EAC membership soon after it attained it’s independence in July 2011. The admission, however, stalled due to institutional weakness, poor economic management and issues related to the rebellion, which broke out in mid-December 2013.

Marial, who co-chairs the 28 delegation of South Sudan technical committee, disclosed that the official admission will be done in November during the head of states meeting to be attended by leaders of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

The South Sudanese foreign affairs minister said he signed “final reports on behalf” of the world’s youngest nation, paving way for its admission in to the five-member bloc.

“I think this is a great victory for South Sudan to become a member of East African Community,” said Marial.

The EAC member countries often enjoy free travel across borders and share workforce.

(ST)