South Sudan disowns VP Taban’s claim of ‘no government’ in Sudan

JUBA – South Sudan distanced itself on Monday from Vice-President Taban Deng Gai’s remarks, in which he stated that Sudan lacks a legitimate government. The former Unity State governor’s comments drew a swift rebuttal from Juba, with officials emphasizing that his views do not reflect the government’s official stance.

In a statement broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Minister of Presidential Affairs Chol Mawut Ajongo clarified the government’s position.

“This is a statement to clarify a statement that was attributed to the Vice President during the Governors’ Forum with respect to Sudan, that there was no government in Sudan,” Ajongo said.

“First, it is to make clear that it is not the position of the government of South Sudan and doesn’t represent in any way the position and view of the government of South Sudan led by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he added.

Ajongo reiterated South Sudan’s respect for Sudan’s territorial integrity and its legitimate government, underscoring that Taban’s comments were his personal views.

“This is just to make clear that whatever statement has been made – that view represents probably the views of the Vice President but not the position of the government of South Sudan,” he stated.

The vice president’s comments came during the 8^th Governors’ Forum on Friday, where he highlighted Abyei’s protracted crisis. Abyei, a disputed territory along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, has been mired in neglect and insecurity.

“We have a very big problem in Abyei. The vacuum is very clear – South Sudanese must know this. The people of Ngok are South Sudanese, and we can’t allow them to suffer the way they are suffering. Right now, there is no government in Khartoum, and they are left that way,” Taban said.

Taban criticized what he described as a lack of international and regional attention to Abyei and urged UN agencies, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), to bolster their presence and assistance in the area.

“UN agencies should visit Abyei; many of them are scared – they think Abyei is not part of the Juba government. Does the government in Port Sudan have the time to listen or check on the people of Abyei? It is not a priority for them. These people are suffering – they have no schools, and even Athony airport is blocked by Khartoum from operating,” Taban said.

He further called for increased humanitarian assistance to the Ngok Dinka community, who he said are enduring severe hardships, and proposed facilitating peace conferences between the Ngok Dinka and the nomadic Arab Misseriya.

“Humanitarian assistance needs to be increased from Juba to Abyei, and UN agencies should also be visiting Abyei because there is no government in Khartoum – there is a vacuum. Why do we allow our people to suffer that way?” he asked.

Taban hinted that South Sudan might recognize the 2013 Abyei referendum if international stakeholders fail to deliver a lasting resolution to the region’s disputed status.

“We are for a total solution to the problem of Abyei, but we must exert pressure for a settlement. We can give an ultimatum to the UN. For several years now, you have remained quiet on the settlement of Abyei. In the absence of a solution, we are going to recognize the referendum of Abyei,” he said.

Abyei, a border region rich in oil and claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, has been a source of tension since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Historically home to the Ngok Dinka and the nomadic Arab Misseriya, Abyei was granted special administrative status under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

A referendum intended to determine Abyei’s final status was delayed due to disagreements over voter eligibility. In October 2013, the Ngok Dinka unilaterally held a referendum, voting overwhelmingly to join South Sudan. However, the vote was not recognized by Sudan, South Sudan, or the international community.

The region remains under the oversight of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The prolonged uncertainty has exacerbated tensions between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya, leaving the population vulnerable to insecurity and neglect.

Observers have warned that unilateral actions, such as recognizing the 2013 referendum, could complicate ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution.