The Government of South Sudan has paid arrears of 4 million dollars in membership fees and contributions to the regional body Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
According to Acting Foreign Minister Deng Dau Deng, the sum is 50 percent of the outstanding dues owed by the country to the regional governmental body.
Addressing journalists in Juba after arriving from Norway on Wednesday, Dau hailed President Salva Kiir for taking the initiative to clear the outstanding fees.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the president for clearing the arrears of unpaid contributions and fees to IGAD. The president directed the minister of finance and economic planning and he has paid USD 4 million to IGAD,” he said. “This is good news and we are talking about creating a good image for South Sudan because we have been called names so I want to thank the president for this particular move of clearing this payment which is 50 percent of the outstanding contribution and fees to IGAD.”
“I have talked to the Executive Secretary of IGAD and he has confirmed receipt of the money,” Minister Dau added.
He pledged the government will pay outstanding membership fees and contributions to other regional and international bodies.
“We will continue to endeavor to get money for those international and regional organizations,” Dau reassured. “We have part of the money that we have not paid to the African Union (AU), Great Lakes, and to East Africa.”
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) suspended the membership of South Sudan in October 2021 after the country failed to pay its annual contribution.
In June 2020, representatives of South Sudan were banned from taking part in an African Union meeting after the government failed to pay overdue fees totaling USD 9 million.