Ex-spy chief General Akol Koor disarmed, put house arrest in Juba

JUBA – South Sudan’s former head of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB), General Akol Koor Kuc, has been disarmed and placed under house arrest in Juba. Security forces have been deployed around his residence, according to multiple sources.

Reports of Akol’s confinement to his house in Juba Nabari (or Thongpiny) began circulating on social media late last week, though sources confirmed that his house arrest began in mid-October after his return from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

His abrupt removal from the security bureau came during a medical trip to the UAE, followed by an appointment as governor of Warrap State. However, Akol was dismissed from the gubernatorial role before he could take office.

“This situation isn’t new; the only new development is the deployment of troops outside his residence,” said a security source. “Akol has been under house arrest since October 15, but now the military presence is drawing attention.”

A second security official in Bilpam downplayed the situation, describing the action as a “disarmament” rather than an arrest, initiated by President Salva Kiir. The source explained that Kiir ordered Akol’s weapons to be surrendered to prevent alarm in Juba.

“Akol is now an ordinary citizen, and no ordinary citizen should retain a large cache of arms. Since he resisted handing them over voluntarily, General Thoi Chany was tasked with enforcing the order,” he said.

A relative of Akol said that tribal elders were attempting to mediate the tension between Akol and President Kiir, both of whom are from Warrap State. According to the relative, Akol feels disrespected after years of service to the state.

“He has no issue with disarmament, but he’s upset by the extent of restrictions, even losing his phones, cutting him off from family. He’s not a criminal or a threat to public safety, so why deny him communication?” the relative asked.

Akol had been the ISB director since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, overseeing national security until his dismissal in early October. After his dismissal, Kiir appointed him governor of the conflict-prone Warrap State, but that appointment was rescinded upon his return, preventing Akol from assuming office.

When Akol arrived at Juba International Airport, witnesses reported that he appeared visibly angry and declined greetings from a welcoming delegation.

His house arrest soon after sparked fears in Juba, prompting some residents to flee to a former UNMISS Protection of Civilians site, concerned about a possible confrontation between forces loyal to Kiir and Akol.