South Sudan pays over $9m arrears owed to AU

JUBA South Sudan

South Sudan has paid over $9 million it owes the African Union (AU) in annual membership fee arrears and contributions for regular budget and peace fund.

Last week, the African Union sanctioned South Sudan after the national government in Juba failed to pay its annual obligations.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Hakim Edward, Foreign Ministry Spokesman confirmed that the payment had been made.

"I can confirm that the money the government owes the African Union had been cleared. The mount paid to the African Union was over $9 million," said Mr Hakim.

Meanwhile, James Morgan, South Sudan ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, confirmed the National Ministry of Finance had settled all arrears on Thursday morning.

"The payment was made. We have paid $9 million in annual membership fee arrears, so I want to tell the public that the issue is done," said James Morgan. "We will participate in the upcoming AU meeting."

South Sudan became the 54th member of the African Union on July 27, 2011.