President Salva Kiir has dismissed Akol Koor Kuc, the long-serving intelligence chief of South Sudan, replacing him with ally Akec Tong Aleu. This change follows the government’s announcement to extend the transitional period and postpone elections, amid criticism from international observers. The decision highlights ongoing power struggles within the government and concerns regarding the NSS’s excessive authority against dissenters.
In a significant political move, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Akol Koor Kuc from his long-held position as chief of the National Security Service’s internal security bureau. This decision, reported by the state broadcaster SSBC following a presidential decree, comes in the wake of another extension of the transitional government period, which has raised concerns among international observers regarding the stability of the peace process in the nation. President Kiir’s recent actions reflect a continued shift in power dynamics within the government, particularly after the announcement of a two-year extension of the transitional period and a second postponement of elections initially set for 2022. Such delays have drawn criticism from the United States and other international stakeholders who play a pivotal role in the peace process. Akol Koor Kuc has overseen the intelligence bureau since South Sudan achieved independence in 2011 and has faced scrutiny from human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for the NSS’s excessive powers and its operations against civil society and government dissenters. The appointment of Akec Tong Aleu, a close ally of President Kiir, as his successor indicates a strategic effort to consolidate power within the government amidst ongoing power struggles, according to analysts. Boboya James, a policy and security analyst, commented that the president seeks to reinforce his position without inciting instability in national security by appointing loyalists in key roles.
South Sudan has experienced significant political turbulence since its independence from Sudan in July 2011, including a destructive civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018. Following a peace agreement that ended the conflict, the government has struggled with a complex power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. The National Security Service (NSS), particularly the internal security bureau, has been notorious for its strict control over dissent and civil society, leading to international condemnation and calls for reforms. Recent events, such as the extension of the transitional government’s timeline, reflect ongoing instability and the challenging path toward democratic governance.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s dismissal of long-serving intelligence chief Akol Koor Kuc indicates a broader strategy to consolidate power amid ongoing challenges regarding governance and stability in South Sudan. The shift suggests an internal power struggle as the government navigates international pressures and the complexities of its transitional agreements. The appointment of loyalist Akec Tong Aleu as the new intelligence chief signals the president’s intent to maintain control while responding to the criticisms surrounding the NSS’s actions against civil activists and opposition factions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
