The truth about the South Sudanese vice president being prevented from travelling to Kenya

South Sudan's Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior (Photo/Archive)

Juba, Kenya – The office of South Sudan’s Vice President for Gender and Youth Affairs, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, confirmed that reports circulating on social media about her being prevented from traveling at Juba International Airport are completely false. The statement from the Vice President’s office was issued to refute the recent rumors. It clarified that Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior did not even go to the airport. The reason given was the incomplete administrative procedures for her scheduled trip to Kenya.

Details of the cancelled trip and the presidential request

David Aliu Deng, acting executive director in the Vice President’s office, explained that the trip was intended for official duties, including delivering a public lecture at Moringa University of Technology in Kenya during graduation ceremonies. He added that the office had submitted the official travel request to the President’s office on August 13th. However, the necessary presidential authorization had not been granted by the planned departure date. He stated that, as a high-ranking government official, the Vice President is required to obtain prior presidential approval for international travel. This is why she did not go to the airport at all.

Context of political statements and official reactions

This controversy comes just days after Nyandeng made public statements about the political situation in South Sudan and the need to protect national gains. She also called on young people to speak out against injustice. In response, the president’s office later issued an official statement defending the president’s historical role in the liberation struggle. Rebecca Nyandeng, the widow of the late leader Dr. John Garang, was appointed vice president in 2020 as part of the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending the country’s civil war.

Source: https://www.voiceofemirates.com/en/politics/2026/08/25/the-truth-about-the-south-sudanese-vice-president-being-prevented-from-traveling-to-kenya/