VP Taban Deng Gai pays rare visit to Machar amid warming ties

JUBA – South Sudan vice-president Taban Deng Gai has visited First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar Teny following his recovery from COVID-19, the disease directly caused by the novel coronavirus, aides for the two have told Sudans Post.

The rare visit by Taban Deng Gai, a former opposition official who is said to have conspired against Machar in July 2016, comes amid reports of unfolding warming of ties between the two men who both have a history of friendship and enmity.

Machar has previously been tested positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to Sudans Post from Juba, a government official who is a close aide to Taban Deng Gai said he had accompanied the vice president to the residence of Dr. Riek Machar after Machar’s recovery from COVID-19.

“The vice-president H.E. General Taban Deng Gai has visited the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny after his recovery from COVID-19,” the aide who refused to be named said from the capital Juba.

Another aide for Machar separately confirmed the visit.

“It is true. The visit tood place on Tuesday and it is a great show of solidarity by vice-president Taban Deng and the Dr. Machar and defense minister Angelina Teny are grateful for it,” the official said.