TANZANIA: South Sudan becomes the 6th Member of the East African Community
South Sudan has officially joined the East African Community,
currently consisting of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi; now
expands the bloc to six nations.
currently consisting of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi; now
expands the bloc to six nations.
The Youngest Nation in the world, which won its independence in
2011 from Sudan after decades of war, was admitted on Wednesday, 2nd
March 2016 into the regional East African Community (EAC), which works to encourage
trade and simplify customs duties between members.
2011 from Sudan after decades of war, was admitted on Wednesday, 2nd
March 2016 into the regional East African Community (EAC), which works to encourage
trade and simplify customs duties between members.
The Current EAC Chairman, Tanzanian President John Magufuli,
announced South Sudan’s membership during the summit held in Arusha Tanzania
early this week. With South Sudan’s inclusion, EAC’s population is estimated to
be over 150 million people.
announced South Sudan’s membership during the summit held in Arusha Tanzania
early this week. With South Sudan’s inclusion, EAC’s population is estimated to
be over 150 million people.
“South Sudan’s membership of EAC is not strictly on economic
benefits but has historical significance. EAC is where we belong,” South Sudan’s
Vice President James Wani Igga proclaimed. He said his country had wanted to be
part of East Africa even before its independence. Membership to the community
means enhanced trade, economic and political ties with the country members.
benefits but has historical significance. EAC is where we belong,” South Sudan’s
Vice President James Wani Igga proclaimed. He said his country had wanted to be
part of East Africa even before its independence. Membership to the community
means enhanced trade, economic and political ties with the country members.
The application of the strife-torn Somalia, which submitted a
request to join the Community three years ago, has not yet given the green
light. According to sources at the summit, the EAC still wants to assess
Somalia’s readiness to join the bloc.
request to join the Community three years ago, has not yet given the green
light. According to sources at the summit, the EAC still wants to assess
Somalia’s readiness to join the bloc.
Source: AMECEA Online News
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