Attempt to arrest Akol ‘without a warrant’ triggered violence, says family of ex-spy chief

JUBA — The family of South Sudan’s former National Security Service (NSS) chief, General Akol Koor, said sporadic gunfire that erupted in the capital Juba on Thursday night was the result of an attempt to arrest the ex-spy chief without a legal warrant.

Heavy fighting at Akol’s residence sent shockwaves through Juba, prompting fears of violence reminiscent of the 2013 clashes in the capital that ignited South Sudan’s first civil war, and the 2016 fighting that marked the collapse of a 2015 peace agreement signed to end the civil war that begun in 2013.

The confrontation began around 7 p.m. local time when seven pickup trucks carrying South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel arrived at Akol’s house, demanding his surrender. His guards resisted efforts to enter the premises, leading to intense gunfire.

The army spokesman confirmed later on Friday that Akol had been moved to his second residence in Jebel, a Juba suburb that also hosts a former United Nations Protection of Civilians (PoC) site.

The area continues to shelter tens of thousands of internally displaced people who fled ethnic violence during the civil war.

In a statement shared with Sudans Post, Akol’s family said the incident stemmed from an attempt by the military to apprehend him without following legal procedures.

This, they said, led to a violent clash between the SSPDF forces and Akol’s security guards, who were supported by family members.

“An attempt by military personnel to forcibly arrest him without a warrant led to confrontation with close protection and family members who resisted the action,” the family said.

“The situation was swiftly deescalated following the intervention of the Chief of Staff, restoring calm to the area,” they added.

The family reported casualties from the incident, saying one family member had been killed and two others injured. They also stated that three soldiers died, while an unspecified number of others sustained injuries.

“The incident resulted in the loss of one family member, 2 sustained injuries, 3 soldiers also sadly passed on, while others sustained injuries,” the family said.

They confirmed Akol’s safety and called for restraint amid ongoing investigations.

“The family is currently grieving this loss and attending to the injured. General is safe. Further details will be provided as investigations continue,” the statement read.

They appealed for calm and requested privacy as they navigate this difficult period, urging peaceful resolutions in the future.

“The family calls for calmness, privacy during this difficult time and urges for peaceful resolution in all matters moving forward,” the family added.