The secretary general of the Inter-governmental Authority on Development said the new Republic of South Sudan will apply to become a member of IGAD and the East African Community.
Talking to the press, Mahboub Maalim said the presence of South Sudan in IGAD will add value to the organization.He added that IGAD will quickly process South Sudan’s membership.
Mr. Maalim admitted that there are challenges involved while dealing with a new member state.
He pledged IGAD’s support to South Sudan in many areas including peace, security and civil service.
South Sudan will become the seventh member state of IGAD joining Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.
Eritrea suspended its membership in 2007.