VP Taban turns down request to become new head of COVID-19 taskforce
South Sudan’s Incumbent First Vice President, Gen. Taban Deng Gai, during a funeral service of late Gen. (Photo credit: Chigai Atem)
June 1, 2020 (SSNN) – Vice-President Taban Deng Gai has reportedly turned down a request by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to replace his counterpart Hussein Abdelbaggi as the new chair of the country’s coronavirus taskforce.
Hussein last week tested positive for coronavirus and said he was going for the 14-day quarantine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Speaking to South Sudan News Now (SSNN) moments ago, an aide to Taban said the vice-president has rejected to replace Hussein because the work should in stead be done by medical practitioners and not by politicians.
“You know, this work is for medical professionals. Politicians should not have a role other than that doing the necessary financial coordination,” the official said from Juba on condition of anonymity.
“It is on this basis the vice-president has suggested to president Salva Kiir to appoint people to lead the fight from among the medical workers,” the aide added.
South Sudan has seen hike in coronavirus cases in recent days. Senior government officials including three vice-presidents have tested positive for the virus.
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