THE AFRICA TIMES | SOUTH SUDAN —
South Sudan Ratifies EAC Treaty Bill
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) ratified the East African Community (EAC) Treaty Bill 2025. This ratification occurred on Thursday, which aims to facilitate the implementation of EAC plans in South Sudan.
The bill seeks to align benefits for South Sudanese citizens. These benefits include trade advantages and the facilitation of free movement of goods within the EAC.
Objectives of the EAC Treaty Bill
The primary objective involves incorporating the EAC treaty into South Sudan’s national laws. This integration will grant the treaty legal status within the South Sudanese legal framework.
Furthermore, the EAC comprises eight member states. These states include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia.
Legislative Discussion and Implications
George Andrea Juma tabled the bill during its third reading on Thursday. Juma, Chairperson of the Standing Specialised Committee on Regional and East African Community Affairs, stated the bill’s domestication grants legal authority to the Treaty. This, according to Juma, makes it a crucial element of South Sudan’s laws.
Juma also emphasized the need for the bill to reflect the current EAC partner states. He cited potential ambiguity in its application without such clarification.
Oliver Mori Benjamin, chairperson of the Standing Specialised Committee on Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, provided further details. He stated that ratification commits South Sudan to monthly subscription fee payments to the EAC.
Financial Commitments and Member Parity
Mori noted the importance of domesticating the bill to address specific challenges. He highlighted the issue of South Sudanese members of the East African Parliament. These members have experienced delays in receiving their payments due to contribution failures.
Mori emphasized that adopting the bill places South Sudan on equal footing with other EAC member states. He stated the bill allows intervention to ensure the government fulfills its commitments to the EAC.
He explained that the South Sudanese representatives in the EAC have faced payment issues. This situation arose from the country’s failure to pay its subscription fees.
Ensuring Equitable Treatment
Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the TNLA, stated the bill’s intention is to ensure fair treatment for South Sudanese individuals in the region. She highlighted the ministerial role in this regard.
Nunu emphasized that the ministers of trade and foreign affairs have vital roles. She noted East African law mandates equal treatment for South Sudanese students in East Africa.
Nunu underscored the necessity of addressing concerns regarding higher fees for South Sudanese students. She pointed out that they are still often charged as foreigners, despite the EAC regulations. She concluded these issues require harmonization within relevant institutions.
