South Sudan’s new First Vice President Taban Deng Gai left for New York this afternoon to attend the 71st sessions of the United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking to journalists at Juba Airport before Gai’s team departed, Ateny Wek Ateny, Presidential spokesman, said that the First Vice President Taban Deng Gai will be representing President Salva Kiir at the UN meetings.
“So he is travelling now as acting head of state, because he will be acting on behalf of the president, so all the functions supposed to be done by the president of the republic at the UN general assembly, will be done by the first vice president Taban Deng Gai,” said Ateny.
Ateny pointed out that the high-level delegation will explain the progress made so far in implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.
The official revealed that Taban Deng will also hold sideline meetings with several world leaders in order to drum up support for the peace process in South Sudan. He added that the First Vice President will also brief South Sudanese citizens who are living in America on peace implementation and integration of the two armies by May 2017.
“If the armies become one by May 2017, that will give assurances to the people of South Sudan that there will be no rivalling forces which can cause havoc,” he said.
Photos: Taban Deng at Juba Airport departing for New York, Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek briefing the press (below)