JUBA, Dec. 4 – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has launched an investigation into the November 21 deadly gunfire incident at the residence of former National Security Service (NSS) head General Akol Koor Kuc. The committee, formed on November 28 via presidential decree, has already begun questioning key witnesses, including Akol.
The shootout, which left four people dead, including two civilians, erupted at Akol’s Jebel residence in what the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) initially called a “misunderstanding” among security units. Allegations surfaced that the gunfire stemmed from an attempt to detain Akol, following reports accusing him of plotting a coup against the Kiir administration.
The violence, which shook the capital’s 600,000 residents, has revived memories of the civil war sparked by similar incidents in December 2013 and July 2016.
SSPDF spokesman Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed Tuesday that the investigation team, led by Deputy Chief of Defense Forces for training James Koang Chuol, has interviewed Akol, as well as two commanding officers involved in the incident.
“The committee will summon witnesses, including residents caught in the crossfire, wounded servicemen, and civilians injured during the clashes,” Ruai said.
The SSPDF has urged civilians with damaged property to report to its Bilpam headquarters with documentation to assist in verifying losses. Families of those killed in the incident are also asked to provide death certificates and related expense receipts to aid the probe.
The investigation seeks to address growing concerns about internal rifts within the security forces and allay fears of escalating instability in Juba.
