President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed Akol Koor Kuc as head of the National Security Service’s internal security bureau, replacing him with Akec Tong Aleu. This change follows the announcement of another delay in the election process, extending the transitional period by two years. The decision reflects ongoing power struggles within the government and criticisms from international observers regarding the country’s governance and human rights issues.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has officially removed Akol Koor Kuc from his position as the long-serving chief of the National Security Service’s internal security bureau, a role he held since South Sudan’s independence in 2011. This change, reported by state broadcaster SSBC, comes shortly after the transitional government announced yet another delay in forthcoming elections, extending the transitional period by two additional years. The repeated postponements have drawn criticism from international observers, including the United States, who view them as detrimental to the peace process. Despite attempts to reach government representatives for comments, inquiries directed towards the office of the president and the government spokesperson went unanswered. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have expressed concerns regarding the extensive and unchecked powers wielded by the National Security Service, particularly in relation to their operations against civil society and activists opposing the government. The decision to replace Kuc is indicative of ongoing power dynamics within the South Sudanese government, some analysts assert. Boboya James, a policy and security analyst, noted, “There has been a lot of reckoning in terms of what to do with Akol Koor. The president does not want very rapid decisions to cause a problem with national security.” Hence, with the new extension of the peace agreement, it is inferred that Kiir is aiming to fortify his governance by integrating loyal figures into strategic positions. Akec Tong Aleu has been appointed as the new intelligence chief, also recognized as a close ally of the president. Although South Sudan reached a cessation of hostilities in 2018 after five years of civil war, ongoing tensions persist between President Kiir and his Deputy Riek Machar, whose divergent agendas are significant barriers to the completion of the ongoing peace process.
The dismissal of Akol Koor Kuc serves as a pivotal development within the political landscape of South Sudan, which has been marred by protracted conflicts and governance challenges since its establishment as an independent nation in 2011. Following years of civil war, the country entered into a fragile peace agreement in 2018, yet persistent divisions between leading political figures, particularly between President Salva Kiir and Deputy Riek Machar, continue to thwart the advancement of the peace process. The National Security Service (NSS) has been criticized for its considerable authority and lack of accountability, particularly over its treatment of dissenters. Recent events reflect not only internal political maneuvering but also the overarching influence of external actors in the country, highlighting the delicate equilibrium that South Sudan must navigate as it seeks stability and governance.
In summary, the dismissal of Akol Koor Kuc from his lengthy tenure as the chief of South Sudan’s internal security bureau marks a significant transition in the country’s political sphere. This action underscores President Kiir’s strategic efforts to consolidate power amid ongoing election delays, with his new intelligence chief being a trusted ally. The international community, particularly stakeholders involved in the peace process, have expressed concern over the implications of these political shifts and the persistent human rights violations facilitated by governmental authorities. Therefore, the future of South Sudan remains contingent upon addressing both internal political dynamics and external pressures for reform.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
