South Sudanese citizens are calling for consultations before the country joins the East African Community.

The country is expected to get an admission into the EA economic block soon.

South Sudan applied to join the bloc after gaining independence in 2011, but its membership was delayed due to concerns of poor governance structures and insecurity.

Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said the East African Community had issued a report indicating that South Sudan is qualified to join the bloc.

He said the report would be presented in November at a summit of East African Community Heads of State.

The Presidential advisor on Economic Affairs, Agrey Tisa Sabuni, told Eye Radio that South Sudan will benefit from the membership.

“[There’ll be] freedom of movement of persons, freedom of movement of workers, freedom of movement of goods, and freedom of movement of services,” Mr Sabuni said.

However, many citizens disagree with the idea.

“In 2011, South Sudan applied and they were objected and the issue was the security issues and also the communication. Now if it was disqualified on that basis in that year and in 2013 there was war, what makes them qualify this time if there is no hidden agenda?” said a citizen.

“Why have the government not consulted the people before taking that decision? Ask another citizen.