Ex-spy chief Gen. Akol questioned in deadly Juba shootout probe

JUBA – A committee of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has begun investigating the November 21 outbreak of heavy gunfire at the residence of the country’s former National Security Service (NSS) head General Akol Koor Kuc.

The committee, established on November 28 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the commander in chief of the SSPDF, via a presidential decree announced on the state-own SSBC television channel, has already questioned Gen. Akol and other key witnesses.

The heavy gunfire at Akol’s Tongpiny residence erupted during the evening hours and reportedly followed an attempt by security forces to detain him. Allegations emerged that the operation was ordered by Kiir, who had received “credible” information accusing Akol of planning a coup.

At least four people, including two civilians, were killed during the incident, which raised alarm among Juba’s estimated 600,000 residents. The violence drew comparisons to the December 2013 and July 2016 clashes that triggered South Sudan’s civil war.

The SSPDF initially described the gunfire as a “misunderstanding” between security units assigned to guard the former intelligence chief but has not provided further details about what triggered the clash among different units of the same security sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, SSPDF spokesman Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that the investigation team, led by Deputy Chief of Defense Forces for training James Koang Chuol, began its work on November 29.

According to the SSPDF statement extended to Sudans Post, the committee visited Akol’s residence to record his statement and has also interviewed two unnamed commanding officers directly involved in the fighting.

“The committee will continue with its work by summoning and taking statements from the following category of witnesses as outlined below: Members of the public caught in crossfire, servicemen wounded in direct combat, and civilians wounded in crossfire,” Ruai said.

The investigation will also include accounts from residents affected by the incident, injured servicemen, and civilians caught in the crossfire, according to the SSPDF statement.

The SSPDF has called on members of the public whose properties were damaged or destroyed during the incident to report to the SSPDF headquarters in Bilpam. Documentation, such as proof of property ownership and assessments of damage, is required.

“The committee takes this opportunity to call upon members of the public whose properties were either destroyed or damaged in the shooting incident to report to the committee at SSPDF GHQs-Bilpam for further arrangements, guidance, and directives on ascertaining losses incurred,” Ruai said.

Families or relatives of those killed during the crossfire are also urged to provide documentation, including death certificates and expense receipts, to facilitate further investigations.

The shooting has heightened concerns about internal rifts within South Sudan’s security forces. According to the SSPDF, the ongoing investigation is expected to clarify the events surrounding the incident, which has fueled fears of broader instability in the capital.