By Makanga Kevin
Confusion and tension gripped South Sudan after a deadly gunfire exchange at the residence of former spy chief Gen Akol Koor Kuc in Juba. The incident, which occurred on Thursday night in the Thongping suburb, left four people dead, including two soldiers and two civilians. The civilians, a student and a lawyer, were reportedly caught in the crossfire.
The gun battle, lasting over 50 minutes, forced businesses to shut down and residents to remain indoors for safety. According to South Sudanese authorities, the clash resulted from a “serious misunderstanding” between troops stationed inside and outside the compound. Two additional soldiers sustained injuries in the skirmish.
Major-General Lul Ruai Koang, an army spokesperson, confirmed that Gen Kuc was unharmed and has since been relocated to his second residence in the Jebel suburb. The spokesperson also noted that the former spy chief’s movements had recently been restricted, with enhanced security measures at his residence. However, the exact cause of the misunderstanding leading to the gunfire remains unclear, and investigations are underway.
Gen Akol Koor Kuc, once a trusted figure within President Salva Kiir’s inner circle, was removed as head of the National Security Services last month. Following his dismissal, he was briefly appointed as governor of Warrap State, the president’s home region, before this role was also revoked. Analysts speculate his removal from power may be tied to an internal power struggle, with suggestions that the general was being positioned for future political leadership.
The incident underscores ongoing insecurity in South Sudan despite a 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending years of civil war. The government has yet to provide further details on the motive behind the restrictions placed on Gen Kuc and the deployment of additional forces to his residence.
Source: Bbc.