Akol defies arrest attempt

JUBA – South Sudan’s former National Security Service (NSS) chief, General Akol Koor Kuc, has avoided arrest following a tense standoff, though three of his bodyguards were wounded in the incident. Akol remains at his residence in the Thongpiny neighborhood of Juba, according to close security sources.

A relative of the ex-intelligence chief told Sudans Post that Akol is unharmed and has not been detained, dismissing rumors of his injury or death.

“The reports claiming General Akol was wounded or killed are false. He is in good health and has not been taken anywhere. He is still at his residence in Juba. However, three of his bodyguards were injured during the incident,” the source said.

The standoff reportedly unfolded after a high-ranking military officer visited Akol’s residence with orders demanding compliance.

“General Marshall Stephen, the Chief of Intelligence for the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), delivered a letter from the Chief of Defense Forces, General Santino Deng Wol. The letter instructed Akol to surrender two tanks allegedly in his possession and to turn himself in for detention,” the relative explained.

The source denied that Akol had any tanks in his possession, clarifying that only four pickup vehicles, including one stationed at his residence’s entrance, remain under his control. “They also requested weapons, but most of Akol’s arms were confiscated when he first returned home,” he added.

Separately, a security source at Bilpam confirmed that Akol had not been detained or relocated by the forces involved in the arrest attempt.

A high-level security meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit was expected to take place later on Friday to address the situation and that SSPDF spokesman Lul Ruai Koang will address the media at the state-owned SSBC after that meeting.

“Akol has not been arrested or moved to Bilpam. There will be a security meeting today, and the SSPDF spokesman is expected to provide an update afterward,” the source said.

The source further noted that General Santino Deng Wol intervened to de-escalate the situation, ordering the withdrawal of forces and temporarily suspending the arrest operation.

The incident follows heavy gunfire that erupted in Juba on Thursday night as security forces attempted to apprehend Akol, who has been under house arrest since October 15. Tensions have been high since Akol’s dismissal from his NSS post on October 2, 2024.

Akol, who was removed from his position in absentia while on an unannounced trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was subsequently appointed governor of Warrap State. However, President Kiir dismissed him from the governorship the same day he returned to Juba.

Family members and close associates said Akol was angered by his removal and the subsequent developments. Community elders reportedly stepped in to mediate, with Akol requesting to retain his remaining forces and weapons for personal security assurances.