President Kiir affirms commitment to strong regional cooperation, EAC support
On Thursday, President Kiir met with a high-level delegation from the East African Community (EAC), led by its Secretary General, Veronica Mueni Nduva, at the State House in Juba.
By Aguok Chok
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has assured South Sudan’s support for East African Community programs, pledging stronger regional cooperation.
On Thursday, President Kiir met with a high-level delegation from the East African Community (EAC), led by its Secretary General, Veronica Mueni Nduva, at the State House in Juba.
During the meeting, Secretary General Nduva briefed the President on the ongoing activities of the regional bloc. She highlighted the key resolutions from the recent joint EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit, which focused largely on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Nduva explained that the EAC has made significant progress in advancing the roadmap for South Sudan’s full integration into the bloc. She praised the leadership of the country’s Minister of EAC Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol, for his instrumental role in driving the process.
“The East African Community continues to work closely with all member states to deepen integration, enhance peace, and promote regional development,” SG Nduva said.
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Beny Gideon Mabor, welcomed the engagement with the EAC leadership. He described the timing of the meeting as critical, given the bloc’s preparations for its next summit.
“This engagement is timely because the East African Community is preparing for its next summit, and South Sudan’s voice is important,” Mabor said.
In his response, President Kiir reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to the principles and ideals of the regional bloc. He emphasized Juba’s readiness to support all initiatives aimed at advancing cooperation, peace, and integration across the region.
“South Sudan is fully committed to the ideals of the East African Community, and we will continue to support regional initiatives,” President Kiir said.
The President’s statement underscored the country’s determination to take an active role within the bloc, especially as the EAC continues to expand its integration agenda and assert a greater role in addressing peace and security challenges in the region.
Observers say the visit by Secretary General Nduva comes at a crucial moment. The eastern DRC crisis has been high on the agenda of both the EAC and SADC, with regional leaders emphasizing the need for joint efforts to restore peace and stability.
The meeting also reflected the growing importance of South Sudan’s role within the EAC framework. Since joining the community, the country has been working to harmonize its national systems with regional standards, including trade, infrastructure, and governance policies.
Diplomats in Juba described the President’s assurance as a positive signal that South Sudan is moving steadily toward deeper regional integration. Analysts believe this could help unlock opportunities for trade, investment, and improved mobility for South Sudanese citizens across East Africa.
The East African Community is a regional intergovernmental organization of seven partner states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its agenda focuses on regional cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure, and development.
As the EAC prepares for its next summit, the reaffirmation of support from Juba is expected to strengthen the bloc’s integration drive and bolster its collective efforts in addressing regional challenges.
