IGAD protocol should be given time to apply to South Sudan, says participants

[Elisabeth Janaina]

IGAD protocol should be given time to apply to South Sudan, says participants
CRN
Saturday, September 16, 2017 - 17:23
Participants of IGAD meeting on the protocol on free movement of
persons within the region are calling on IGAD to give time on the
protocol for more consultations before it is applied to South Sudan.

In a group discussion during the IGAD consultation meeting in Juba,
some participants say the capacity of the institutions in the country
should be strengthened first.

The other group expresses fear that the foreigners will take advantage
of dominating jobs as most of the South Sudanese are illiterate.

They say the free movement of persons among the member state may give
chance for criminals to enter South Sudan.

The participants also say South Sudan is less developed compared to
other countries and it may be affected.

Dr Mehari Taddele Maru, IGAD lead expert says IGAD is in a primary
consultation within the region and it may take over three years for
the protocol to be rectified, documented and implemented.

He encourages member states to be progressive in the process.

Dr Taddele says the protocol takes long time because it should reflect
the interest of the countries.

The officials were talking during the conclusion of the IGAD
consultation meeting with South Sudanese on the protocol on free
movement of persons in the IGAD region.