South Sudan joins East African Community

South Sudan has officially become the sixth member of the East African Community when it signs treaties to join the regional bloc. The signing will set in motion South Sudan’s assimilation into the regional bloc that is currently at a common market stage.

Early last month the East African Community (EAC) heads of state approved the admission of the new country, which is working to recover from civil unrest.

South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir and his Tanzania counterpart John Magufuli – currently the EAC chairman – are scheduled to sign the accession treaty in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam.

In line with the treaty, South Sudan will be required to immediately open up its borders for exchange of goods as well as labor and capital.

South Sudan will also be required to adhere to principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice, besides adopting social and economic policies that are compatible with those of the regional body.

The East African Community originally formed by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda now includes the original 3 member states as well as Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.