Gunfire Erupts at Residence of South Sudan's Former Spy Chief Under House Arrest in Juba

Late on Thursday, heavy gunfire broke out in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The incident occurred at the residence of the former spy chief, who has been under house arrest for two months. Residents reported that soldiers clashed with Gen. Akol Koor's security team in the upscale Thongpiny neighbourhood for about an hour.

Army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that two individuals were injured during the exchange. "There was a misunderstanding between the army and security forces deployed at the home," he stated, promising more information on Friday. The reasons behind Koor's house arrest and dismissal remain undisclosed by the government.

Background of Gen. Akol Koor

Koor has been under house arrest since early October after his dismissal from the intelligence service. He was also appointed as a state governor but was removed from that position before assuming office. Koor had served as the intelligence chief since 2011, following South Sudan's independence from Sudan.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, a witness to the gunfire, described being in Thongpiny when shots rang out. People hurriedly closed their shops and sought shelter. The area is situated near both the military headquarters and the main airport of the country.

South Sudan's Political Landscape

Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, South Sudan remains unstable. The accord ended a five-year civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives. President Salva Kiir and his former adversary turned deputy, Riek Machar, are responsible for implementing this agreement.

The country's elections, initially set for December, have been postponed by two years. This delay aims to allow time for crucial elements of the peace deal to be enacted and to enable voter registration by the electoral body.

Critics argue that progress on implementing the peace agreement has been slow. The delay in elections reflects ongoing challenges in stabilising South Sudan's political environment and ensuring a fair electoral process.