PHOTO: Participants at the 14th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Kenya. Courtesy of EAC

South Sudan’s participation in the 14th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Kenya, remains uncertain as the country’s parliamentarians are still waiting for funds to be made available.

The games, which began on December 6 and will run until December 18, bring together legislators from all EAC Partner States to promote regional integration and mutual understanding through sports.

Oliver Mori, the spokesperson for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, confirmed that lawmakers are ready to travel to Mombasa but emphasized that their participation depends on the availability of funding.

“As soon as they get the funds, they will travel; they are ready and just on standby,” Mori told Eye Radio on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Kim Gai, South Sudan’s representative in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), expressed disappointment at the country’s non-participation in this year’s games.

Gai emphasized the importance of the games for regional cohesion and highlighted the potential penalties for South Sudan’s absence.

“The games are vital for strengthening bonds and enhancing dialogue among lawmakers in the region,” Gai explained. “Our absence may lead to penalties, including disqualification from the next two editions of the games. This absence undermines our commitment to the EAC’s mission of fostering unity and collaboration.”

The games, which are being officially hosted by Kenya, include a variety of sports such as football, netball, volleyball, athletics, and more.

They aim to foster cooperation and understanding among the legislatures of East Africa.

The absence of South Sudan’s parliamentarians could set back their involvement in the next editions of the games, with the 15th edition scheduled for Dodoma, Tanzania, in December 2025.

As the deadline for the games draws near, South Sudan’s parliament must act quickly to secure funding and join the other East African nations in strengthening regional ties.