Beny Gideon, Undersecretary in the Minister of East African Affairs - COURTESY

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of EAC Affairs says President Kiir’s assumption of the regional leadership due Friday will not only bolster the country’s diplomatic ties but will improve regional security and enhance cross-border trade among others.

President Salva Kiir is expected to assume office as head of the East Africa Community on Friday.

According to Beny Gideon, the move will enable President Kiir to have a stronger voice in the discourse surrounding regional issues that affect South Sudan, East Africa, and Africa as a whole.

He also says the chairmanship will bring about economic opportunities that could open up economic prospects and increase trade opportunities within the region.

“There are many good things for South Sudan taking over the leadership of the Community. South Sudan’s gaining the East Africa Community Chairmanship will enhance our diplomatic standing within the region.

“Being at the forefront of regional decision-making will allow President Salva Kiir to have a stronger voice in the discourse surrounding regional issues that affect South Sudan, East Africa, and Africa as a whole.

“The other opportunity is economic opportunity. South Sudan’s involvement in the East African community will open up economic prospects and increase trade opportunities within the region.

“So, being the chairman of the East African Community will enable South Sudan to negotiate favorable deals, promote cross-border business relationships, and attract foreign direct investment to boost the country’s economy,” Beny, the Undersecretary told Eye Radio on Monday.

He adds that the leadership will promote regional integration, collaboration, and cooperation among its member states.

Beny also says that President Kiir’s chairmanship will provide an opportunity to foster closer regional ties and harmonize the policies for areas like infrastructure development, security, and resource management.

“President Salva being the Chair of the community will definitely provide an opportunity to foster closer regional ties and harmonize policies for areas like infrastructure development, security, and resource management.

“But equally important, he said “we have a good number of professional staff, and many more are yet to be recruited now in accordance with the East African Community employment policies if there are arising opportunities for employment.”

He goes on to argue that there were no genuine reasons for South Sudanese to criticize the country’s membership in the EAC.

Citing the delay in remittance of the annual financial contributions, Beny said this was not a deliberate failure of the government adding that, the government has been honoring the treaty obligations regardless of all circumstances.

The Undersecretary says the government did not fall short of payment and that, the country has now channeled 50 percent of its annual contribution and it is in the process of transferring an additional 50 percent in order to have zero balance.