Gai, Kiir old friendship played key role in filling VP position
Newly appointed Vice President of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai (left) and South Sudan's President Salva Kiir at State House in Juba on July 26, 2016. After being sworn in on Tuesday, Mr Gai claimed that the South Sudanese army is now one, contrary to the agreement that provides for two armies. PHOTO | AFP
Taban Deng Gai, who was appointed by President Salva Kiir to replace Riek Machar as First Vice-President, played a key role in negotiating the peace agreement in Addis Ababa.
In his late 60s, Mr Gai is a cousin of Dr Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny. But the two were involved in a bitter contest for the governorship of Unity State in the 2010 elections, with Ms Teny ending up as an independent candidate.
