The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission have welcomed South Sudan’s membership in the East African community.

The JMEC Chairperson, Festus Mogae says the membership and the ongoing discussion between the government and the International Monetary Fund could help in addressing could improve the economy.

Mr Festus says the government and the international partners have to start a reform program with a clear timeline to bring hope and to enable the South Sudanese people enjoy the dividends of peace.

“The positive outcome of the engagement of South Sudan with regional and international institutions is instrumental to kicking off reform projects, and mobilizing resources which are badly needed by the council,” he said at the opening of a JMEC meeting on Tuesday.

President Salva Kiir signed the treaty of accession into the East African Community in April.

The bloc offers a common market for its member countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and now South Sudan.

Critics of the membership say the move will turn the country into a dumping ground for goods from the region.