The African Union (AU) Commission suspended South Sudan’s membership due to failure to pay its financial contribution.
Sudan Tribune has reported.
South Sudan owes the African Bloc over 9 million United States Dollars-a cumulative amount for three consecutive years.
In a diplomatic communication dated June 17th, South Sudan’s mission to Ethiopia informed Foreign Affairs Ministry of the sanction. The suspension has been effective since June 16th.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Spokesman, Hakim Edward confirmed the sanction. However, he said efforts to resolve the matter are underway.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to assure the public that it is coordinating with the ministry of finance to resolve the matter not only with the AU but with other regional bodies,” he further said.
The sanction does not deprive the east African country of its membership.
The sanctions for non-payment of financial contributions adopted in November 2018, imposes short- and long-term measures against member states that do not partly or fully meet their financial obligations within a period of six months to two years.
The reform authorizes sanctions against a member state that does not pay 50% of its contributions within six months. The member state will not be allowed to speak in the meetings of the African Union.