JUBA – A group of youths from Tonj region in Warrap State has appealed to President Salva Kiir to release former Director General of National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau (NSS-ISB), Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, from house arrest.
General Kuch, who once wielded massive power and influence in the government, had been placed under house arrest in Juba, following his dismissal as spy chief on October 3, 2024.
His detention followed a brief and revoked appointment as governor of Warrap State. The house arrest raised legal and constitutional questions as it lacks formal charges or a court order.
During a press conference in Juba on October 20, Tonj youth said the continued detention of Gen. Akol Koor has deeply affected his family and community, and goes against the spirit of reconciliation and national unity.
They reaffirmed their “loyalty to the President” and urged him to exercise compassion and leadership by ensuring the general’s release in the interest of peace and justice.
Detention
General Kuch had served as the Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) for 13 years, since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
On October 3, 2024, President Kiir relieved him of his duties, and immediately after his sacking, Kuch was appointed as governor of Warrap State, but this appointment was revoked just a few days later before he could assume office.
His house arrest began in mid-October 2024, shortly after his return from a medical trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Then in November 2024, an unexplained fighting incident occurred between government security forces and General Akol’s bodyguards at his residence in Tongpiny (Juba Nabari), resulting in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians.
SSPDF spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, attributed the incident to a “misunderstanding” during an operation to relocate Koor to his secondary residence in Jebel.
President Kiir formed a committee to investigate the matter, but the outcome of this investigation remains unclear.