By Yiep Joseph
Vice President Taban Deng Gai is currently undertaking a journey to Bentiu, carrying messages of peace to communities across as he travels to represent the President at a significant upcoming event.
VP Taban’s primary destination is Bentiu, where he will attend and represent President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the centenary celebration marking 100 years of the Catholic Church. The event is scheduled for May 11, 2025.
According to a statement extended to this outlet, the Vice President is making the journey by road, following a route to Bentiu that includes Rumbek, Wau, Kuajok, and the Ruweng Administrative Area.
Despite instances of armed confrontations among communities along his route, Vice President Taban will be making stops at various points to personally convey messages of peace and reconciliation to the local populations.
These community engagements began early in his journey. In his first peace gatherings, the Vice President stopped in Awerial, Yirol West, and Rumbek East counties, where he addressed enthusiastic residents and local authorities.
During his addresses, VP Taban extended greetings and conveyed a specific message of peace from President Salva Kiir Mayardit to the communities of Lakes State.
“The President told me that I should stop here and greet you on his behalf. He assures you that, despite recent events in Nasir and the subsequent house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar, the government remains fully committed to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS in order to prepare the country for development and to give you – the citizens – a chance to choose your leaders through elections in December 2026,” he said.
VP Taban reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving any misunderstandings among parties and ensuring that law and order are strictly respected across the country.
“The government is very serious about law enforcement this time.”
Addressing the issue of inter-communal violence, the Vice President called on armed youth to cease hostilities against one another, warning that such actions are destructive to peace among the people.
“We cannot be a lawless society,” he added firmly.
Vice President Taban also took time to acknowledge the positive impact of Governor Rin Tueny Mabor’s policies on fostering peaceful coexistence in Lakes State.
He urged the people of the state to actively engage in agriculture, suggesting it not only serves as a way to appreciate Governor Rin Tueny for bringing peace but also significantly contributes to improving their livelihoods.
Furthermore, addressing community concerns, particularly fears of renewed flooding, the Vice President reiterated the government’s commitment to completing ongoing road projects throughout the country. This commitment is seen as crucial, particularly in areas like Rumbek East, to prevent a recurrence of last year’s severe flooding.
Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor, who received the Vice President in Rumbek, expressed his appreciation for VP Taban’s decision to travel by road, allowing him to directly engage with the people and deliver his message of peace.
Governor Mabor also reiterated the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, which he linked directly to enabling communities to focus on productive activities like agriculture.
General Taban is expected to continue making similar stopovers and community engagements as he proceeds towards Bentiu for the centenary celebration on May 11, 2025, representing the President.