Shooting at home of former South Sudanese intelligence chief: a revealing incident

On November 21, 2024, a shooting broke out at the home of General Akol Koor, the former head of South Sudan’s intelligence services, who has been under house arrest for two months. The incident highlighted simmering tensions within the South Sudanese leadership and raised questions about the country’s political stability.

An incident with multiple interpretations

Witnesses said soldiers exchanged fire with General Koor's security guards for about an hour in the upscale Thongpiny neighborhood of Juba. Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said two people were injured, attributing the incident to a "misunderstanding" between the army and security forces deployed at the home.

This official explanation is puzzling, especially since General Koor, in office since South Sudan's independence in 2011, was dismissed in October 2024 by President Salva Kiir, without public explanation. Appointed governor of Warrap State in the process, he was dismissed from his post before even taking office.

Underlying political tensions

The dismissal of General Koor, considered all-powerful and nearly untouchable, surprised many South Sudanese. The reasons for his ouster have not been disclosed, fueling speculation about internal power struggles. Some observers believe President Kiir is seeking to consolidate his authority by removing influential figures who might challenge his leadership.

The shooting at General Koor’s home comes as South Sudan remains fragile, despite a 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war that killed more than 400,000 people. Implementation of the deal has been slow, and elections scheduled for December have been postponed for two years to allow for full implementation of the deal’s provisions and voter registration.

An uncertain political future

The incident raises questions about South Sudan’s political stability and the ability of its leaders to maintain order and security. Internal tensions within the government could jeopardize efforts for peace and national reconciliation. The international community is watching these developments with concern, fearing a resurgence of violence in a country already battered by years of conflict.

The South Sudanese government has yet to officially comment on General Koor's house arrest or the reasons for his dismissal. Observers are awaiting clarification on the incident and its implications for the country's political stability.