Egypt seeks Arab League seat for controversial South Sudan
For the first time since it seceded from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has publicly declared its desire to join the Arab League.
CAIRO — Egyptian diplomatic circles are lobbying to galvanize the Arab League to accept South Sudan as a permanent member of the organization.
This comes after a change of heart in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, which had rejected any association with the 22-member Arab league for seven years, since it seceded from Sudan in 2011.
“There have been diplomatic moves led by Egypt within the Arab League emphasizing the importance of South Sudan joining the organization, given Juba’s strategic geographical position, which serves as the Arab gateway to Africa,” an informed Arab League diplomat told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.
“During the [March 7] ministerial meeting, the matter shifted down a conflictual path between regional powers about Arab countries' different interests in South Sudan,” the source added.
