East African Community (EAC) welcomes south Sudan to the fold
EALA welcomes south Sudan to the fold / Passes resolution lauding the new State upon its independence
KIGALI, Rwanda, September 15, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — EALA yesterday passed a…
KIGALI, Rwanda, September 15, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — EALA yesterday passed a resolution congratulating the government and people of South Sudan following their landmark independence on July 9, 2011.
With that, EALA urged the EAC Partner States through the Council of Ministers to pursue sustained and increased trade, political and social co-operation with South Sudan, noting that all parties were expected to reap from the independence of the world’s youngest State.
The Resolution moved by Hon. Dan Kidega, EALA MP, received overwhelming support on the floor of the House. The Resolution noted in part that the struggles of the citizens of South Sudan were of regional, continental and international concern which resulted in to a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 to guide the future relations between the South and North Sudan.
“The relationship between the political leaders of the EAC and the South Sudan which are strong and cordial are expected to be intensified following the independence of South Sudan”, Hon Kidega said.
South Sudan attained its independence on July 9 2011 in a ceremony attended by world leaders and thousands of people from all walks of life. EALA was represented at the celebrations by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Abdirahin Abdi and a number of legislators. Two days later, the EALA delegation called on H.E. President Salva Kiir at State House, Juba where they held talks.
During the talks, President Salva Kiir Mayardit hinted South Sudan was ready to join the EAC to enable it begin to reap from the benefits of regional integration. H.E. General Salva Kiir hailed the EAC for supporting South Sudan and the Sudan during the period of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
“I note with gratification EALA’s efforts in ensuring peace in South Sudan prevailed. I am happy they were part of the struggle. The Assembly visited South Sudan to assess the state of preparedness during the period leading to the referendum and again at the referendum proper to observe the actual process. I thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker and EALA for this”, President Kiir added.
During debate yesterday, Members called on the EAC to reach out to South Sudan to join the bloc.
Making his maiden speech, Kenya’s Minister for EAC, Hon Musa Sirma urged the EAC to fast-track the process of embracing South Sudan in to the regional bloc. Hon Sirma called for commitment to the integration process. “We must not only implement the Treaty but be innovative if the integration process is to be strengthened”, said Hon Sirma, while adding his voice to supporting the resolution.
Other Members who rose to support the Resolution were Hon. Gervase Akhaabi, Hon. Leonce Ndarubagiye, Hon. Clarkson Otieno Karan and Hon Tiperu Nusura.
The Assembly resolved to empower the Speaker to transmit the resolution to the President and the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan.
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