President Kiir Assents to East African Community Act 2026

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has signed into law the Treaty Establishing the East African Community Act 2026, marking a major milestone in South Sudan’s full accession to the East African Community (EAC).

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Joseph Ngere Paciko, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly; Daniel Akot Akot, Speaker of the Council of States; and Michael Ayuen Johnson, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Planning.

Under South Sudanese law, a bill passed by the National Legislature becomes legally binding only after receiving presidential assent.

The Act domestically incorporates the Treaty establishing the East African Community and its protocols into South Sudan’s legal system, giving full legal effect to the country’s obligations under the Treaty. This aligns with Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Constitution.

The development confirms that South Sudan has met key legal requirements for accession, including commitments under the customs union framework, further advancing regional integration within the East African bloc.