South Sudan diplomat confirms AU has not been paid
James Pitia Morgan, South Soudan Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the African Union (Photo credit: Unknown)
July 4, 2020 (SSNN) – A South Sudan diplomat has confirmed reports that the government in Juba has not paid the membership fees that it owes to the continental body, the African Union (AU).
In an interview, James Pitia Morgan, South Soudan Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the African Union said the government has not yet paid the money and that preparations were being made to pay the AU.
“The African Union has not yet been paid. The reports that the government has paid the African Union are not true,” the diplomat said. “But the government is working to make sure that the AU is paid on time.”
Asked what it means for South Sudan, Morgan said “South Sudan will be deprived its right to take the floor or make any contributions in the meetings of the African Union until we clear the arrears. Member states that are sanctioned miss out on privileges of taking part in debates during sessions, or other privileges offered by the AU.”
“The sanctions mean our president, the minister of foreign affairs and the permanent representative to the African Union can’t participate, contribute ideas or even talk during AU meetings and upcoming summits. But, our full membership remains. Our mission considers the sanctions of the country to be a national concern.”
He blamed the African Union for not reminding South Sudan because the “country is preoccupied with myriad priorities of implementing the revitalized peace deal, security arrangements involving the integration of former rebel fighters into the national army.”
“So after the AU gave us notice of sanctions, the government in Juba swiftly directed the ministry of Finance to settle the bill without any delay. By the end of next week, all things will be settled.”
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