President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has replaced long-serving intelligence chief Akol Koor Kuc with close ally Akec Tong Aleu, amidst continued electoral delays. This change comes as part of the government’s efforts to consolidate power following criticisms regarding human rights violations by the NSS and challenges in the peace process.
In a significant shake-up within the South Sudanese government, President Salva Kiir has dismissed Akol Koor Kuc, the long-serving intelligence chief, and appointed Akec Tong Aleu, a close ally, in his stead. The state broadcaster SSBC reported this development following a presidential decree. Kuc has been at the helm of the internal security bureau of the National Security Service (NSS) since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. His removal comes shortly after the transitional government announced yet another delay in the electoral process. Last month, President Kiir’s administration extended the transitional period by an additional two years, postponing elections for the second time since a prior delay in 2022, a decision that has drawn criticism from the United States and other international stakeholders involved in the peace process. Despite efforts to engage with government spokespeople, there has been no response regarding this significant shift in leadership. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have consistently expressed concern about the NSS, stating that it wields excessive power and operates with impunity against civil society and dissenting activists. Experts suggest that Kuc’s dismissal is indicative of ongoing power struggles within the upper echelons of the government. “There has been much deliberation regarding the fate of Akol Koor. The president is cautious about making hasty decisions that might jeopardize national security,” said policy and security analyst Boboya James. Moreover, he remarked, “With the extension of the peace agreement, there is a desire to consolidate power by appointing loyalists in key governmental positions.” The appointment of Akec Tong Aleu as the new intelligence chief underscores this strategy, given his close affiliation with President Kiir. Although South Sudan officially ended five years of civil war in 2018, persistent disputes between President Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, who led opposing factions during the conflict, continue to impede the progress of the peace process.
The recent dismissal of the intelligence chief reflects the intricate political landscape in South Sudan, where power dynamics often shift against a backdrop of civil unrest and fragile peace agreements. The NSS, managed by Kuc until his dismissal, has been accused of human rights violations, and its operations are critiqued for their secrecy and lack of accountability. The transitional government faced scrutiny following delays in electoral processes, further complicating the peace implementation framework established after years of civil strife.
President Salva Kiir’s recent decision to dismiss Akol Koor Kuc signifies a potential shift in the power dynamics within the South Sudanese government. By appointing a close ally as the new intelligence chief, Kiir aims to consolidate his authority amid ongoing tension in the country, particularly following repeated election delays. The implications of this leadership change may resonate throughout South Sudan’s political landscape, especially as it grapples with the challenges of peace and governance post-conflict.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
