Paul Kame angered by Kiir’s hesitance to pay EAC membership arrears

KIGALI – Rwandan President Paul Kagame said he is angered by the hesitation by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit to may membership arrears which the world’s youngest country owes to the regional body.

In an interview, Kagame who is also the head of the East African Community, said he supports the move being taken to exclude countries such as South Sudan and Burundi for no paying membership fees for a number of years.

“I support that we all get up to date in terms of payment. We cannot run an organization that brings us together without having to pay the bills, that’s for sure. We have had situations before where partners had some difficulties.

“I remember one time when the region came together and we all chipped in for Burundi because at some point they were in a difficult situation and could not pay. You can do it once or so, but you cannot have a situation where some countries permanently carry the burden of others.

“I do not know fully the reasons or circumstances for non-payment that informed why Burundi and South Sudan would be suspended.

It was like saying maybe we tried to chip in for you but now we think you’re in a position to play your part so that you become fully engaged in the organization and benefit fully as well as you contribute fully like the rest of us.”