South Sudan Security Forces Investigate Shootout at Former Spy Chief’s Home

South Sudan security forces are investigating a shootout at the residence of former spy chief Akol Koor, dismissed two months prior amidst coup allegations. The incident in Juba occurred during heightened tensions following Koor’s removal, and police reported that calm has returned but advised vigilance. The shootout reflects ongoing instability in a nation struggling with issues of governance and economic hardship.

On Friday, South Sudan’s security forces commenced an investigation into a shootout that transpired at the residence of Akol Koor, the former chief of the National Security Services, who was dismissed nearly two months ago amid speculations concerning a potential coup. The incident, which occurred during the evening on Thursday in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, coincided with ongoing issues related to power dynamics, ethnic conflicts, and significant economic challenges within the nation.

The armed altercation lasted approximately one hour outside Koor’s home located in the Thongpiny district. Following the event, a robust military presence was noted in the area, although daily activities resumed with traffic flow returning to normal. Reports indicated that Koor had been arrested after clashes that resulted in numerous fatalities or injuries among his soldiers. However, a spokesperson for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, Lul Ruai Koang, stated that Koor was still at his residence, rejecting claims circulating on social media regarding his alleged escape to the United Nations compound.

Police spokesperson John Kassara confirmed that tranquility had been restored in the area but cautioned residents to remain alert as the Thongpiny district was still cordoned off. The United Nations in South Sudan issued an alert advising its personnel to seek shelter, linking the gunfire to Koor’s apprehension. Koor, who held a prominent role in the NSS since shortly after South Sudan’s independence in 2011, was removed from his position in October, heightening concerns of his purported intentions to usurp President Salva Kiir’s authority.

Koang clarified that the gunfire resulted from a misunderstanding between different security units tasked with protecting Koor, which escalated into a brief exchange of gunfire between security personnel, resulting in injuries to two troops. Koor’s dismissal came shortly after the South Sudanese government announced a two-year postponement of the first elections, now slated for December 2026, igniting heightened dissatisfaction among the international community seeking progress in South Sudan’s transitional governance. The country, which has suffered from a devastating civil war and ongoing socio-political turmoil, continues to grapple with severe poverty and corruption, exacerbated by recurrent climatic crises.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but has since faced persistent political instability, notably characterized by power struggles and ethnic violence. The deployment of Akol Koor as head of the NSS followed independence, a role that has increasingly become contentious amid allegations of coup plotting against the government led by President Salva Kiir, particularly following Koor’s dismissal in October. The recent shootout illustrates the ongoing volatility within the nation’s security hierarchies and the fragility of peace in a country still recovering from a brutal civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018.

In summary, the investigation into the shootout at the home of former spy chief Akol Koor reflects the broader challenges South Sudan faces amidst ongoing power struggles and civil unrest. Koor’s recent sacking and the subsequent military action underscore the tensions that permeate the political landscape in South Sudan as it seeks to navigate a path toward stability and governance, all while dealing with a backdrop of extreme poverty and corruption. The international community’s concerns regarding the electoral process further complicate the nation’s precarious situation.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr