The Bill is intended to align the benefits for South Sudanese in relation to trade and the free movement of goods.
The objective of this Bill is to incorporate the treaty that establishes the East African Community and its protocols into the national laws of the Republic of South Sudan, granting the treaty legal status as a component of South Sudan’s laws.
The EAC consists of eight countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and the latest entrant, Somalia.
While tabling the bill in the third reading stage on Thursday, George Andrea Juma, Chairperson of the Standing Specialised Committee on Regional and East African Community Affairs, stated that domestication of the bill will provide the Treaty with legal authority, making it an essential component of the laws of South Sudan.
“The bill should reflect the current partner states, which include the Republic of South Sudan. Considering the ambiguity of the phrase in its application under this bill,” said Juma.
Oliver Mori Benjamin, chairperson of the Standing Specialised Committee on Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, stated that with the ratification of the bill, the country would commit to making monthly payments of the subscription fee to the EAC.
“For having domesticated this bill. To answer certain situations of which we are aware. For instance, our members in the East African Parliament. They are now being deprived of their emoluments. Simply because we have failed to pay our contributions in the East African Community,” Mori said.
Mori stated that with the adoption of this bill, the country will be on equal footing with member states.
“Through this bill, we can intervene. First, to convince ourselves. Our government as an institution. It is obligatory on the government. To make sure they fulfil their commitment. In joining the East African Community or any other organization.”
He stated that the member of parliament representing South Sudan in the EAC has not received their payment due to the failure to pay the subscription fee.
Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the TNLA, stated that the bill aims to ensure equitable treatment for South Sudanese in the region.
“The ministerial has a role to play. The minister of trade, the minister of foreign affairs. Even the children of South Sudanese who are studying in East Africa. According to the East African law, they are supposed to be treated as citizens of that country,” said Nunu.
She underscored the need to address the concerns of South Sudanese students who are still required to pay higher fees as foreigners.
“But if this happens, students of South Sudan are still paying as foreigners. You know, they pay higher than the locals. So, these are the things that will be harmonised within the respective institutions.”
