South Sudanese Deputy Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Joseph Malek Arop on Wednesday tabled a treaty establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, (IGAD) on regional cooperation in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).
The treaty, ratified by Cabinet on June 23, 2024, aims to widen and deepen cooperation among member states to achieve sustainable development.
Addressing lawmakers at ordinary sitting in Juba, Arop said the objective of the treaty is to widen and deepen cooperation among member states.
“The purpose of the treaty is to replace the agreement establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to widen and deepen cooperation to achieve sustainable development. The objectives and aims of the IGAD is to accelerate regional economic, social, environmental and political integration and cross border cooperation among member states,” said Arop.
He said Article 6 (2) of the treaty mandates each member state to enact the legislation for effective implementation of the treaty.
The Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee for Information and Communication Benjamin Oliver Mori said the House submitted the Bill to the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Legislation and Justice, the committee of National Security and Public Order for proper scrutiny before debate within two weeks from now.
The treaty was adopted by Heads of State and Government during the 14th ordinary session of the IGAD summit held in Djibouti on June 12, 2023.
It expands and diversifies areas of cooperation among member states and with the international community.
The renewed treaty expands and diversifies the scope of cooperation among IGAD states, laying the foundation for enhanced unity and solidarity in addressing regional challenges.