President Salva Kiir of South Sudan dismissed intelligence chief Akol Koor Kuc, appointing close ally Akec Tong Aleu. This change follows a two-year extension of the transitional period and delayed elections, which have drawn criticism from international observers. Analysts suggest this reflects internal power struggles and Kiir’s desire to enhance his influence in government as the country navigates ongoing tensions post-civil war.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has terminated the appointment of Akol Koor Kuc, the long-serving chief of intelligence, as reported by the state broadcaster SSBC, following a presidential decree. Kuc had been at the helm of the controversial internal security bureau of the National Security Service (NSS) since South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011. This dismissal comes on the heels of the transitional government’s announcement of yet another delay in planned elections. Last month, President Kiir’s office stated the extension of the transitional period by two years and the postponement of elections, further igniting criticism from the United States and other international stakeholders involved in the peace process of the nation. Calls to the government spokesperson and the presidential office for comments went unanswered. Various rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concerns regarding the NSS, which they assert wields excessive power and operates without accountability against civil society and government critics. Analysts suggest that this recent decision to dismiss Kuc is indicative of ongoing power struggles within the highest echelons of the government. “There has been a lot of reckoning in terms of what to do with Akol Koor. The president does not wish for rapid decisions to compromise national security,” stated policy and security analyst Boboya James. He further elaborated that with the agreement to extend the peace process, President Kiir is likely seeking to fortify his administration by installing familiar allies such as the newly appointed intelligence chief, Akec Tong Aleu, who has established a close rapport with Kiir. While South Sudan concluded five years of civil war in 2018, enduring disagreements between President Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, who led rival factions during the conflict, persist as significant hindrances to the peace process.
South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011, following decades of civil unrest. The newly formed government has faced multiple challenges, including civil war that erupted in 2013, leading to widespread violence and displacement. In 2018, a peace agreement was signed, ending the civil war, yet political tensions and discontent regarding government governance continued to mar the political landscape. Human rights organizations have criticized the National Security Service (NSS) for its unchecked power and actions that suppress civil liberties, and the delayed electoral processes further complicate the fragile peace and governance in the nation.
The dismissal of Akol Koor Kuc represents a strategic move by President Salva Kiir amidst ongoing internal power dynamics and the challenges of implementing the peace agreement. The appointment of Akec Tong Aleu as the new intelligence chief also underscores Kiir’s intent to consolidate his authority within the government as electoral and transitional processes face significant delays, prompting scrutiny from international observers. The interplay between governance, security, and civil liberties remains a critical matter in South Sudan’s evolving political framework.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
