President Salva Kiir has dismissed long-serving intelligence chief Akol Koor Kuc, replacing him with ally Akec Tong Aleu. This change reflects ongoing power struggles within the South Sudanese government amidst recent election delays and international criticism of the NSS’s actions against civil society. Kiir aims to consolidate control as transitions in the government continue to unfold.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has enacted a significant change within his government by dismissing the long-time intelligence chief, Akol Koor Kuc, and appointing Akec Tong Aleu, a close associate, as his successor. This decree was reported by the state broadcaster SSBC. Kuc had been at the helm of the internal security bureau of the National Security Service (NSS) since South Sudan’s separation from Sudan in 2011, a period marked by controversy and criticism over the NSS’s excessive control and its treatment of civil society and dissenters. This decision comes on the heels of a prolonged transitional government period, during which President Kiir recently announced a two-year extension and yet another delay in the electoral process, prompting pushback from both the United States and international stakeholders involved in the peace agreement. The government’s spokesperson and the president’s office have yet to respond to inquiries regarding this dismissal. Analysts interpret this shake-up as indicative of a power struggle within the upper echelons of the government. Boboya James, a policy and security analyst, noted, “The president doesn’t want very rapid decisions to cause a problem with national security.” The appointment of a loyalist as the new intelligence chief may reflect Kiir’s strategy to solidify authority amid ongoing challenges in fulfilling the peace process following the civil war that concluded in 2018, which was characterized by hostilities between Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar.
The political landscape of South Sudan has been fraught with complexity since the country gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Internal conflicts, particularly a civil war from 2013 to 2018, have significantly impacted governance and the relationship between the government and civil society. Despite a peace agreement in 2018, tensions persist, particularly between President Kiir and his rival, Vice President Riek Machar, hampering political stability and the democratic process. The NSS’s controversial role has drawn attention from international human rights organizations, which have criticized its tendencies towards repression and excessive authority.
In summary, the recent dismissal of Akol Koor Kuc and the appointment of Akec Tong Aleu signify a strategic maneuver by President Salva Kiir to reinforce his administration amidst ongoing electoral delays and pressure from the international community. This development underscores the continuing power dynamics within South Sudan’s fragile political environment, where the balance of power and the future of governance remain uncertain as the country strives to fulfill its peace commitments.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
