South Sudan’s government has confirmed it has received a membership request from the Arab League. The unity government has not yet made a decision whether to join the group or not.
South Sudan was part of the Arab League when it was part of Sudan, but secession from Sudan in 2011 meant South Sudan could either join the league as an independent country or not.
“They made a presentation that they want South Sudan to be a member of Arab League, it’s not us who asked for it, but they are the ones who are saying, you were part of Arab World and as such we are requesting you to join us, it’s they who are asking us to join them not the government of South Sudan applying for that position.” Michael Makuei Lueth, information minister said.
Arab League was formed in 1945 with the aim of promoting economic development among member countries and in a general way promotes interests of the member states.
Juba says it’s still looking at how joining the group would benefit the country.
“To be a member of the Arab League does not necessarily mean that you should be an Arab, there are those who do not even speak Arabic and they are members of the Arab League.”Lueth said
South Sudan is already a member of East African Community and African Union.
Joining each of the regional or international organizations comes with some membership fees, South Sudan is currently facing economic crisis due to the ongoing war.
Regional experts say joining more organizations such as the Arab League would come with more financial demands which the country may not afford now.
