South Sudan’s government on Wednesday said it cleared $4 million dollars arrears to the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
Deng Dau Deng, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the money was released last week.
“The President directed the minister of finance and economic planning and he has paid 4 million dollars to IGAD. This is good news and we are talking about creating good image for South Sudan,” Deng told journalists in Juba upon arrival from Oslo.
“We have been called names and I really want to thank his Excellency the President for this particular move of clearing this payment which is 50 percent of the outstanding contribution and fees for IGAD. I have talked to Executive Secretary of IGAD and he has confirmed receiving the money,” he disclosed.
Deng said they will source for more funds to clear outstanding debts owed to other international and regional organizations.
“We have part of the money that we have not paid to African Union, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and East African Community,” he said.
In October 2021, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) suspended the membership of South Sudan after it failed to pay its annual contributions fees.