South Sudan’s Vice President, Taban Deng Gai, has raised eyebrows with his recent remarks questioning the legitimacy of General al-Burhan’s military government (SAF).
Speaking at a gathering of state governors in Juba on Friday, Deng described Sudan’s leadership as a “vacuum” and criticized its lack of governance, particularly in the disputed Abyei region, an issue he believes has been largely ignored by both Khartoum and Juba.
“There is no government in Khartoum—there is a vacuum,” Deng stated, prompting further scrutiny of South Sudan’s position on the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since the SAF and RSF clashed in April 2023, following their 2021 coup that ousted a civilian-led government. While South Sudan has largely stayed neutral, tensions persist as some of its leaders—who fought the Sudanese military for two decades before achieving independence in 2011—see an opportunity to push for concessions, particularly regarding Abyei.
Deng specifically criticized South Sudan’s lack of proactive leadership on Abyei, calling for greater attention and urgency to address the humanitarian crisis. The region, which is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, has suffered from neglect as both countries have prioritized other issues, including oil revenue sharing, amid the conflict in Sudan.
“The people of Ngok Dinka are South Sudanese, and we cannot allow them to suffer the way they are suffering,” Deng declared, stressing the need for greater South Sudanese involvement. He criticized Juba’s diplomatic efforts, claiming that foreign ambassadors, including those from European countries, have been more active in visiting Abyei than South Sudanese officials.
Taban, who hails from Unity State, which borders Abyei, also called attention to Sudan’s obstruction of access to Abyei’s Athony airport, hindering humanitarian aid and business flights. He suggested that South Sudan should consider recognizing the results of a controversial 2013 referendum, in which Abyei residents voted overwhelmingly to join South Sudan, as a step toward resolving the long-standing dispute.
“There is no government in Khartoum, and we cannot remain silent,” Deng continued. “We must push for action, including the opening of Athony airport and increased humanitarian aid from Juba.”
Additionally, Deng recommended that South Sudan urge the UN Security Council to appoint a head for the UN mission in Abyei, as Sudan has blocked the position since 2013. He further proposed that South Sudan recognize the 2013 referendum results, citing the improved relations between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya, who traditionally support the RSF.
While emphasizing the need for a resolution to Abyei’s issues, Deng acknowledged that the Misseriya had historically been manipulated by Khartoum, and stated that the tribes now largely agree on a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The political and military turmoil in Sudan has had far-reaching consequences, with Khartoum, now largely abandoned by the international community, operating from Port Sudan. While South Sudan has kept its embassy in Port Sudan open, it has refrained from taking a firm stance against the RSF, despite the group’s involvement in the Sudanese conflict.
Deng’s comments highlight South Sudan’s growing frustration with Sudan’s military leadership and its determination to address the fate of Abyei, a region that remains a significant point of contention between the two nations.
