The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Tuesday rectified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty that established the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development on regional cooperation.
According to Scopas Lo-Kabang, the deputy chairperson of the TNLA’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the purpose of the bill 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 are to accelerate regional, economic, social, environmental and political integration and cross border cooperation among member states,” he said.
It is worth noting that Article 6 (2) of the treaty mandates each member state to enact legislation for effective implementation of the treaty.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin, an MP representing Uror County on the SPLM Party ticket, said as a member of IGAD, it is paramount that South Sudan rectified the treaty because the 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan was a result of efforts by the IGAD leadership.
“We all know the story of the IGAD peace process. So politically, it is this organization (IGAD) that took the responsibility to bring peace, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that has resulted in the country we have today,” he said. “So, historically, we can say IGAD has played a role in the birth of our nation. That is why when people thought that the problems of IGAD countries in the Horn of Africa are not only drought, but there are political issues and that is why the word drought was dropped, and it became IGAD with one D.”
However, Agasio Arop, another MP, said rectifying alone is not enough but called on leadership in the country to hold onto its obligation because South Sudan has in many instances not adhered to regional and international treaties.
“In this recommendation of the Committee, it is very good that we have to rely on our obligation because what you agreed with a certain state or any country, it is meant that there are points you agreed on, and you have to fulfill the obligations,” he said. “We have experienced a lot of things in the neighborhood. Sometimes we can move here, have a country to attend a certain convention or committee, and then at the end of it, we will find out what is going on. Sometimes our membership has not been fulfilled. So, it is very bad for a country not to fulfill its obligations.”
The treaty was adopted by Heads of State and Government during the 14th ordinary session of the IGAD summit held in Djibouti on 12 June 2023 and expands and diversifies areas of cooperation among member states and with the international community.
The renewed treaty lays the foundation for enhanced unity and solidarity in addressing regional challenges.