This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
The African Union has imposed sanctions on South Sudan for failing to pay its annual contribution of KSh 969, 587, 174 for three consecutive years.
The sanctions, which were confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 19, 2020, do not deprive South Sudan of its African Union membership but suspend the country from participating in AU meetings.
According to Deputy Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Hakim Edward, the sanctions were imposed due to the country's failure to submit its yearly financial contributions.
Edward stated in a statement issued on Friday night that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance to resolve the matter not only with the African Union but with other regional bodies.
South Sudan became the 54th member of the African Union on July 27, 2011, after it attained its independence from the larger Sudan nation.
For Africa's youngest nation to continue participating in the AU affairs, it will need to clear the pending debt.
During a recent African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, South Sudan diplomats were asked to leave unceremoniously over the unpaid money.
