By Bida Elly David
South Sudan government has for the first time dashed $4 million as clearance of outstanding Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) membership fees.
South Sudan’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deng Dau Deng confirmed this, upon arrival from Sweden.
“President Kiir has directed the Ministry of Finance and economic planning and paid $4 million, and this is very good news since we are talking about cleaning the image of South Sudan,’’ Deng said.
The minister said that once paid, the country would have cleared 50% of its contribution.
“We have been called names and given everything, and I really want to thank the president of the Republic of South Sudan, for this particular move of clearing this payment,” he said.
According to the minister, the money facilitates the outstanding contribution and fees for the top executive of the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
In 2021, the East African economic bloc, (IGAD) suspended South Sudan over unpaid dues which had accumulated to a tune of $9,782, 635, over a period of time.
In August last year, the East African Legislative Assembly passed a motion to censure South Sudan for defaulting on the annual payment.
The East African Legislative Assembly recommended that the Council of Ministers take further action against South Sudan which by that time owed the Community more than $24 million.
However, acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister noted that South Sudan will continue gathering financial resources to clear off other regional organizations, like the African Union.
He echoed the difficulties South Sudan encountered while battling to pay the East African Community membership fees, which later gave glory to the young nation.
“We will continue to endeavor to get money for those international and regional organizations since we have part of the money that we have not paid to the African Union.” He explained.