Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Ruben Madol Arol on Wednesday tabled the East African Community (EAC) Treaty Bill 2024, in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) after its approval by the Council of Ministers in October.
South Sudan acceded to the EAC Treaty in 2016. However, a sub-article requires that each partner state shall, from the date of acceding, secure the enactment of self-legislation to give effect.
Speaking during the presentation of the Bill, Arol, said the purpose of the treaty is to domesticate it.
“The purpose of the Bill is to domesticate the treaty establishing the East African Community and its protocols, carrying out the obligations of South Sudan,” Arol said.
Under the EAC Treaty, partner States undertake to abide by the principles of good governance, including adherence to democracy, the rule of law, social justice and the maintenance of the universal standards of human rights.
Justice Arol said the Treaty Bill 2024 is drafted in accordance with the provisions of Article 43B of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011, read together with Article 8 of Article 2 of the EAC Treaty.
The EAC Treaty Bill 2024 aims to formalize the establishment of the East African Community in South Sudan, and to give it the force to be an integral part of the laws of the country, Arol said.
The treaty also aims at widening and deepening cooperation among the partner states in, among others, political, economic and social fields for their mutual benefit.
Further, Justice Arol said, by domesticating the treaty, South Sudan will implement its provisions, the programs and the projects of the EAC.
“The Chapter 5 provides that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs shall make sure that the laws of South Sudan are harmonized and in conformity with the acts of the community and the treaty,” said the Minister.
In addition, Chapter Five, provides for any amendment or modification to the treaty.