South Sudan army claims ex-spy chief relocated with one bodyguard and a cook

JUBA – South Sudan’s former spy chief, General Akol Koor, has been relocated to his second residence in Jebel following directives from the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed.

Lul, the spokesman of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), told reporters on Friday evening at a press conference in Juba that Akol agreed to relocate due to “inconveniences caused by his presence and soldiers at his residence in Tongping.”

He said Akol has relocated to Jebel, a southwestern Juba suburb, with only one bodyguard guard, his wife and a cook and revealed that a senior security officer will be deployed to him to coordinate with the leadership on Akol.

“The good news is that a few minutes ago, around 30 to 45 minutes ago, General Akol Kor accepted to relocate to his second residence in Jebel residential area with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook, a senior officer will be assigned to him to liaise and oversee his protection,” Lul said.

The relocation comes in the wake of Thursday night’s sporadic gunfire at Akol’s Tongping residence, where at least four people were killed, and two others injured during clashes between forces assigned to protect him.

The shooting broke out following disagreements between two different armed groups stationed inside and outside Akol’s compound, Lul explained.

“The force within the perimeter wall, the force outside, the second force that had been deployed about two weeks earlier, and the third that arrived at around 2:00PM to 5:00PM,he said.

“All of these forces are under different commands and the element of those exercising proper command, control, and coordination somehow got lost in the media,” Lul said.

“And while these elements became a little bit in short supply, there was misunderstanding between the force that was inside for his close protection and the one that was deployed outside of the fence. There was misunderstanding. And as a result, the two forces exchanged fires. That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard of,” he added.

The government has pledged to deploy additional SSPDF forces to provide security at Akol’s Jebel residence.

Lul noted that all soldiers involved in Thursday’s incident have been disarmed and are awaiting investigation to determine the root cause of the confrontation.

According to Lul, Akol has been under house arrest since the revocation of a presidential decree that naming him governor of Warrap State.  He said his movements were restricted and downsized his forces.

His relocation to Jebel is part of efforts to de-escalate tensions following Thursday’s deadly clashes.

Akol’s family on Friday accused the army of attempting to arrest him without a warrant, which they said triggered the violence when resisted by family and close protection.

The family reported one fatality and two injuries among their members, as well as three soldier deaths.

The SSPDF has emphasized that Akol’s relocation to Jebel will ensure his safety and facilitate ongoing investigations into the violent episode.