South Sudan president asked to address nation after heavy gunfire

JUBA – A leading South Sudanese civil society figure has called on President Salva Kiir Mayardit to address the nation after a tense night of heavy gunfire erupted during an attempted arrest of former National Security Service (NSS) chief General Akol Koor Kuc by government forces.

Military intelligence officers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) moved to detain Akol, who has been under house arrest since mid-October following his return from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The operation, reportedly ordered by President Kiir, led to a confrontation with Akol’s bodyguards at his residence in Juba’s Thongpiny neighborhood.

In a statement to Sudans Post on Friday morning, Edmund Yakani, a prominent activist and executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), described the incident as “unfortunate” and urged Kiir to address the nation to reassure citizens and provide clarity.

“I strongly call upon the president to address the nation over the unfortunate military confrontation between the guards of [the] former director general of [the] national security services and the government forces at his residence,” Yakani said.

Yakani emphasized the importance of transparency, noting that the gunfire had caused widespread fear and panic among Juba’s residents. He also accused South Sudan’s political elites of escalating tensions due to unresolved grievances.

“The experiences [of last] night of the heavy gun shooting made the public in panic, and they deserve accurate account of the case from the president today. The gun class and the political elites is fan of dragging the country to violence due to their political grievances, which they should have resolved through dialogue,” he said.

Yakani further criticized the lack of progress in implementing the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). He argued that the ongoing Tumaini initiative—a mediation effort—should be operationalized as a framework for peace.

“This incident of last night in Juba City proves why the Tumaini initiative mediation is very important in setting up a political framework that is implementable for transitioning the country from violence to peace. Tumaini is operational, [a] plan for R-ARCSS,” Yakani added.

Akol Resists Arrest Attempt

Despite intense gunfire and initial reports of his capture, General Akol Koor Kuc has avoided arrest. Reliable security sources confirmed that Akol remains at his residence in Juba, though three of his bodyguards were injured during the clash.

A relative of the former intelligence chief dismissed rumors of Akol’s injury or death, describing him as unharmed and in good health.

“The reports claiming General Akol was wounded or killed are false. He is in good health and has not been taken anywhere. He is still at his residence in Juba. However, three of his bodyguards were injured during the incident,” the relative told Sudans Post on Friday morning.