South Sudan in the East African Community: Prospects and Challenges for a Monetary Union and Political Federation

Abstract

In this chapter I analyze South Sudan's political and economic challenges as it seeks to become member of the East African Community (EAC). The chapter contributes to the ongoing debate on nation and state building, economic development and the EAC’s attempt to build a monetary union followed by a political federation. The first section presents a brief profile of South Sudan, its development challenges, the land tenure system and the legal framework governing access to and disposal of land. The second section presents an exposition on the challenges facing the EAC as it seeks to build a monetary union and a political federation. I critically examine the EAC protocol regarding the monetary union, political federation, the land tenure system in East Africa and its plan for a common citizenship. I review and analyze EAC policies, such as the elimination of trade barriers including tariff, non-tariff and other technical barriers, harmonization of labor policies, programs, legislation, and social services throughout members’ states. I conclude that the biggest challenge facing the EAC is the question of protecting social democracy, while balancing rights with social justice, and market fundamentalism with social equity, and offers preliminary recommendations.

Keywords: South Sudan, development, citizenship in East Africa; East African Community (EAC); land tenure; monetary union; political federation; violence, justice, democracy, Common Market