Vice President Taban dismisses rumors of airport security blockade

JUBA — The Office of the Vice President and Chairperson for the Infrastructure Cluster has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Vice President Gen. Taban Deng Gai was prevented from travelling out of Juba on Friday morning.

According to a statement issued by Manyiel Dut Kok, the Press Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, a Facebook post by political commentator Juol Nhom-ngek claimed that security forces had stopped the Vice President from boarding a flight at Juba International Airport.

The statement also referenced another Facebook page, Kiir Kiir Akol, which alleged that Gai was attempting to flee the country and was being closely monitored by heavy security.

“This information is being shared by some citizens without verifying its authenticity,” the statement read. “As the official spokesperson, I hereby clarify that the information published by Juol Nhom-ngek is false. There is no such situation that ever occurred.”

The Press Secretary emphasized that all official travels involving the Vice President are coordinated in advance through government protocol and security channels, making it impossible for such an incident to occur without prior knowledge of relevant authorities.

“As a former government official, Juol should have known that any travels involving a Vice President are usually pre-arranged by state protocol days before the actual departure date. Hence, no security clearance happens on the date of departure,” Manyiel said.

The Office of the Vice President further urged South Sudanese citizens to be cautious and responsible when consuming and sharing information on social media platforms.

“A responsible citizen is expected to verify the authenticity of any information before indulging in circulating it,” the statement continued. “Kindly shun propaganda and distortion as we pursue peace and unity in our country.”

The clarification comes amid increasing concerns about misinformation and politically charged narratives spreading across South Sudanese social media spaces, often stirring unnecessary public tension.