JUBA| March 25, 2026
Vice President Taban Deng Gai on Wednesday held a long-awaited meeting with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, marking their first official engagement in nearly a year following the Vice President’s earlier claims that he had not been granted an audience with the Head of State.
The meeting, held in Juba, was convened primarily to review progress on key national infrastructure projects and to address persistent implementation challenges, particularly in the road sector. It was also attended by Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime.
According to officials, the discussions centered on ongoing and planned road construction projects across the country, with Vice President Taban Deng Gai—who chairs the Infrastructure Cluster—providing a detailed briefing on developments, bottlenecks, and next steps.
Among the priority projects reviewed were major road corridors in Upper Nile and other regions, as well as key routes in the Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal regions aimed at improving national connectivity and boosting economic activity.
The Vice President reportedly used the opportunity to outline challenges affecting implementation, including delays in feasibility processes and coordination gaps among institutions. He also raised broader economic concerns, including the need to revitalize the Agricultural Bank to improve access to financing and support productivity.
President Kiir, in response, emphasized the strategic importance of infrastructure development to national growth and service delivery. He directed the Vice President to intensify coordination within the Infrastructure Cluster and accelerate the execution of critical road projects.
The meeting is seen as politically significant, coming after public remarks by Taban Deng Gai in recent months suggesting limited direct engagement with the President. Analysts say the renewed interaction could signal efforts to strengthen coordination within the executive as the government pushes forward with development priorities.
No official comment was made regarding the Vice President’s earlier claims, but Wednesday’s meeting appears to re-establish direct communication between the two leaders, with a shared focus on advancing infrastructure development across South Sudan.
About Taban Deng Gai
Taban Deng Gai is one of South Sudan’s Vice Presidents and serves as the chairperson of the Infrastructure Cluster. A key political figure, he previously held positions including Governor of Unity State and has played a significant role in the country’s political and peace processes.
