Heavy gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, specifically at the residence of former spy chief Gen. Akol Koor, who has been under house arrest for two months. Eyewitness accounts describe an intense exchange of gunfire between soldiers and Koor’s personal security detail in the affluent neighborhood of Thongpiny. The firefight lasted around an hour, resulting in injuries to two individuals, as confirmed by the army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang. The spokesperson attempted to downplay the incident by labeling it as a “misunderstanding” between the military and security forces assigned to the home, promising more information the following day.
Gen. Akol Koor, an influential figure in South Sudan’s intelligence community since the country gained independence in 2011, has faced significant political upheaval recently. After being dismissed from the intelligence service in early October, Koor was briefly appointed as a state governor before being uninstalled from that position before even taking office. The government has remained reticent regarding the specifics of Koor’s detention and the reasons that led to his removal, leading to speculation about political instability behind the scenes.
Local witnesses, such as Ter Manyang Gatwech, shared their accounts of the event, describing how residents of Thongpiny rushed to close their businesses and seek shelter due to the unexpected violence. This area is strategically located close to the military headquarters and the main airport, raising concerns about the implications of the gunfire so near critical infrastructure. The unpredictability of the situation illustrates the ongoing volatility in Juba, which is emblematic of broader issues facing South Sudan.
Despite having a peace agreement in place since 2018, which aimed to resolve a devastating five-year civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives, South Sudan continues to grapple with instability. The agreement’s implementation has faced criticism for its sluggish progress, particularly from opponents who argue that the current leadership, comprised of President Salva Kiir and former rival turned deputy Riek Machar, has failed to fulfill crucial aspects of the deal. As the nation remains ensnared in political complexities and conflicts, the power dynamics within the administration are becoming increasingly important.
Furthermore, the general electoral process in South Sudan has been affected by this instability, leading to a postponement of elections originally scheduled for December, which were delayed for two years. This postponement aims to ensure that necessary components of the peace agreement are fully realized and to allow electoral bodies adequate time for voter registration. However, this delay only heightens uncertainty about the country’s political future and highlights the challenges facing governance in South Sudan.
The resurgence of gunfire in Juba, particularly surrounding the controversial figures like Gen. Akol Koor, reinforces the fragile security atmosphere prevailing in South Sudan. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex intertwining of personal rivalries, political maneuvering, and the aspirations of a nation striving for stability following years of conflict. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the underlying issues that have led to such volatile incidents and how it will move forward on its journey towards genuine peace and electoral democracy.