South Sudan Asks EAC For More Time

The Government of South Sudan has asked the East Africa Community (EAC) for more time to pay its fees. Under Article 146 of the EAC treaty members can be suspended if they fail to meet financial commitments during an 18-month period.

According to the country’s Minister for Trade, Industry and East African Community Affairs, Paul Mayom, South Sudan is working to making payment of the overdue fees despite financial problems. Member states face an annual bill of approximately $8 million. South Sudan’s outstanding bill is thought to total around $27 million.

“The government of South Sudan has always put plans in place to meet its EAC obligations but all these need time to deliver. We have problems with funding though the matter is now with the Ministry of Finance. Therefore, other EAC members and the Assembly should be patient with us,” Mr Mayom is quoted as telling the East African.

Recent calculations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast a 6.6% increase in economic growth next year, providing the peace agreement between the government and opposition continues to hold. Positive trends under the fragile peace including a lowering of the inflation rate from 550% to 40% and an increase in oil production by 20% in the first quarter of 2019. Oil accounts for more than a quarter of government revenue.