The East African Community (EAC) announced that South Sudan’s annual membership debt of $36 million has been addressed. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the new EAC chairperson, attributed the delay in payment to challenges related to the peace process in South Sudan. Despite this, Kiir expressed confidence in the EAC’s ability to tackle common regional and continental issues. He thanked the summit for waiving South Sudan’s accrued arrears and assured timely remittance of future contributions.
Following the announcement, Juba promptly cleared the outstanding $15.5 million, making it the most up-to-date member in terms of fee payment. However, Burundi remains the most indebted member with $15.5 million, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has yet to remit any money since its admission this year.
In a significant development, the 23rd Ordinary Meeting of Heads of State approved the admission of the Federal Republic of Somalia as the eighth member of the EAC. President Salva Kiir was designated to coordinate with Somalia on the signing of the accession treaty. The summit directed Somalia to deposit the instrument of ratification within six months and instructed the Council of Ministers to create a roadmap for Somalia’s integration, reporting progress at the next summit.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia expressed gratitude for the historic decision, emphasizing the mutual benefits for Somalia and the EAC. He highlighted Somalia’s rich culture, heritage, and strategic location along the Indian Ocean coastline, envisioning a trade-friendly environment within the national borders. President Mohamud emphasized the historical, cultural, and linguistic bonds connecting Somalia with EAC partner states.
Regarding the drafting of the Constitution of the EAC political confederation, the summit urged Tanzania, Rwanda, and the DRC to conclude their national consultations by May 30, 2024.
On the Sustainable Financing Model for the Community, the summit agreed on a 65-35 financing formula (65% equal contributions and 35% assessed contributions). The Council of Ministers was directed to pursue spending rationalization measures, institutional strengthening, and strict sanctions for defaulting partner states, with a mandate to report progress at the 24th summit.
