African Union suspends South Sudan over failure to pay annual fees
Continental body African Union has suspended South Sudan for failing to pay annual contributions accumulating to over USD9 million (Sh900 million).
The ambassador of South Sudan to Ethiopia informed his Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday that Juba had been sanctioned after failing to pay its annual contributions for three years.
"The Mission of the Republic of South Sudan to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union and UNECA has the honor to transmit the attached documents, being the Decision on sanctions," read the letter sent from Addis Ababa to Juba on June 17.
Juba's envoy in Addis Ababa was barred from AU meetings on June 16, the ambassador notes.
"Today, we were barred from participating in the AU meeting of yesterday, June 16, 2020. It was so dramatic and embarrassing scene when the Chairperson at the meeting stopped the proceedings to inform South Sudanese diplomats that their participation was illegal," letter continues.
According to Xinhua, Juba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the suspension.
South Sudan has said it is talks with AU to have its status reinstated.
