Author: Michael Daniel | Published: 1 hour ago

Vice President Taban Deng Gai addresses the media on Monday, May 26, 2025, after briefing President Salva Kiir on his recent peace mission to Bahr el Ghazal region and Unity state. – Courtesy of OPP

Vice President Taban Deng Gai says on Saturday that he has been unable to meet with President Salva Kiir since returning from Bentiu in May 2025.

Addressing a prayer service for the Abiem-nhom attack victims, the Vice President reported that his travel requests and official letters have failed to reach the President’s Office, asking the gathering, “Who among you can believe that the Vice President can’t meet with the President?”

He supported claims made by previous speakers at the event that “thieves” within the administration are obstructing government operations.

“I intended to travel to our region after Christmas, but I haven’t received permission from the President’s office yet,” Vice President Taban stated. “We write letters to the President, but these letters don’t reach him. The last time I met the President was when I returned from Bentiu, and I didn’t get another chance to meet him.”

The Vice President noted that he sought assistance from the Vice President for Service Cluster, Hussein Abdel-Baqi, regarding these administrative delays.

The Vice President called for an investigation and accountability for the Abiem-nhom attack victims. He confirmed that a criminal complaint has been filed and a legal investigation is underway to identify those responsible.

“The perpetrators will be brought to court, and the criminals are known,” he stated. He added that the leadership of Greater Bentiu opposes the use of committees to resolve these issues, favoring legal and direct intervention instead.

Vice President Taban announced that a delegation including himself, the Vice President for Services, the Deputy Speaker of the Council of States, and the National Security Advisor plans to meet with the President upon his return to Juba.

The delegation intends to present specific proposals to address the current disputes and administrative constraints.

“Who among you can believe that the Vice President can’t meet with the President?” he asked the gathering, emphasizing the need for direct communication to resolve regional problems and provide justice for the Abiem-nhom attack victims.

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