Nov 26, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Speaking at YouLead Summit, which was attended by youth from four East African countries , South Sudan youths representative raised concerns about the ineffectiveness of the East Africa Community in addressing issues of concern that are still facing the East African countries.
In a statement shared by the South Sudan Youth National Union, these youths said that the issues that were raised by their forefathers having political integration, economic integrations and security (military) integrations have not been addressed by the East Africa member states.
“Many of the youth have raised their concerns about the ineffectiveness of the East Africa Community in addressing issues of concern that are facing the bloc.” read part of the statement.
“When the community was initiated by the founding fathers, it was typically for the purpose of uniting East Africa in particular and Africa in general based on Pan Africanist School of thoughts. Apparently, the bloc was a mechanism of having political integration, economic integrations and security (military) integrations,” read part of the statement.
“Albeit, all the aforementioned issues are not tangibly addressed by the member states of Eastern Africa community according to the satisfaction that the founding fathers intended,” the statement continued.
The statement further said that the delegates from South Sudan have made their resolutions to be taken to the East African community as a way forward to solve the outstanding issues of concern that are affecting the bloc.
Some of the issues they felt have not been addressed by the East African member states include the unification of tariffs, common market, free visas for all the member states and abstract which they believe are not implemented accordingly.
One example that the youth gave was that South Sudanese were treated like aliens who had invaded Kenya as they were thrown behind bars for not having valid visas.
“If all these things are not addressed amicably, then East Africa will be a mere hoax especially for South Sudanese,” they said.
The youths also expressed their gratitude for being part of this year’s YouLead Summit
“It is a pleasure and gratitude to be part of such a magnificent forum that brings all the Youth across Africa to discuss major issues of concern for the bloc in particular and Africa in general,” the statement read.
“The four days interactions with our brothers from different countries in East Africa was of much significance to all of us because we have elaborated on the things that our bloc is facing and how they can be solved amicably.” They added.
According to South Sudan youth representatives, the Summit addressed roles of youth in politics, youth in business, youth as peace ambassador and gender equality.
“In fact the summit has emphasized on four main issues of concern such as the roles of youth in politics, youth in business, youth as Peace ambassadors and gender equality,” the statement read.
