March 4, 2022—The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly has slammed South Sudan’s Minister for East African Community Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol for not regularly attending the house seating.
Martin Ngoga noted that since the appointment of Deng as Minister of EAC Affairs in 2020, he never went to Arusha for any proceeding saying after his appointment, he was just sworn-in virtually.
On Tuesday, as the EALA was about to embark discussing the integration of South Sudan into the block, one of the lawmakers complained of Deng Alor’s consistent absence.
Representative of United Republic of Tanzania at East Africa Community (EAC) Doctor Abdullah Makama said the discussion was about South Sudan and there was need for Minister Alor to commit himself to attending.
“Now we are having a very important report that is going to be tabled in this house on integrating the Republic of South Sudan within the EAC integration. And our colleague who is supposed to represent the government of South Sudan is not here.”, Dr. Makama of Tanzania said with concern.
Reacting to the concern, the Speaker of EALA, Martin Ngoga describes Minister Deng Alor’s absenteeism very “unfortunate” saying the move is offending the house.
“Should we start with reintegration with the Minister before integrating the Republic of South Sudan country? It is a very unfortunate situation.”, EALA Speaker Martin asked.
The top lawmaker went on to question of what message Minister Alor is sending to the country.
Disappointed Martin said the Minister’s absence is questionable with regards to his role in the parliament.
“It causes us honestly to question the motive or the commitment or what, I don’t know. In any case this is bigger than an individual but it is about South Sudan. His absence is offending us”, he added.
The seating which kicked-off yesterday, was expected to be ongoing today.
However, Ugandan Representative Mary Mugenyi, suggested that Minister Alor should attend today’s session virtually if he cannot do it physically.
Two years ago South Sudan was accused by EAC for allegedly not paying its monthly subscription like many other member-states do.
