Heavy gunfire erupts in Juba as security forces seek arrest of ex-spy chief

JUBA – Heavy gunfire erupted in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Thursday night as security forces from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) attempted to arrest former National Security Service (NSS) chief General Akol Koor Kuc.

The fighting took place at the residence of the former NSS chief in Tongping, near the Nimule Resort Hotel, where elements loyal to the ex-intelligence head clashed with the SSPDF.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) issued an alert advising personnel in Juba to shelter in place.

“The shooting incident around the general area of [Nimule] Resort Hotel, Tongping, is related to the arrest of former NSS Director General. All personnel are advised to remain where they are and shelter in place,” the alert reads in part.

Multiple security sources within the SSPDF told Sudans Post that President Salva Kiir Mayardit had issued the arrest order earlier in the afternoon.

The operation is being carried out by SSPDF Chief of Military Intelligence General Marshall Stephen.

SSPDF spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai confirmed the fighting but attributed it to a misunderstanding between the protection forces assigned to safeguard Akol Koor.

He explained that the clash occurred between the two security details deployed at Akol’s residence: an outer security force and a platoon assigned for closer protection.

“Around 30 minutes ago there was a shooting at the residence of ex-spy chief Gen. Akol Koor, and it involved our own security forces that had been deployed there for extra security,” Lul Ruai said.

“There was a misunderstanding between the two forces, and we are not sure what exactly happened. This misunderstanding degenerated into gunfire, and two servicemen were injured. Our Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Santino Deng Wol, rushed to the scene, intervened, and ordered the cessation of hostilities. An investigation will take place tomorrow to determine the cause of the incident,” he told Sudans Post.

Lul Ruai added that further gunfire had occurred but reassured that the situation would be contained, urging people to stay indoors for safety.

#SouthSudan army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang speaking to @SudansPost following resumption of hostilities, just before it stopped for the last time. #SouthSudanArmy #SSPDF #FightinginSouthSudan #Juba #SSOX #SSOT pic.twitter.com/NDbsBnbJhY

— Sudans Post (@SudansPost) November 21, 2024

The attempt to arrest Akol comes just a month after his dismissal by President Kiir, following accusations of plotting a coup against the government. Observers have warned that South Sudan’s fragile peace—established by a September 2018 agreement—remains at risk of unraveling.

Audio: SSPDF spokesman talks to Sudans Post

Prominent civil society activist Edmund Yakani called for calm among political leaders, urging a peaceful resolution to avoid further endangering civilian lives.

“I am calling for calm among the conflicting parties in Juba,” Yakani told Sudans Post. “Resolving political differences through the use of a gun is harmful, demonstrates a culture of violence, and could endanger civilian lives.”

He emphasized that resorting to arms to settle disputes could lead to gross human rights violations and destabilize the country.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, an activist and head of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), reported hearing heavy gunfire from the Jebel neighborhood and noted that shops were closing as residents fled in panic.

“I urge political leaders to calm down the citizens because they are panicking,” Gatwech said. “All the shops where I have been closed. This situation is causing unnecessary fear. As an activist, I call upon political leaders to address the nation urgently.”