Gunfire Erupts in Juba Amidst Political Turmoil in South Sudan

Tensions flared in South Sudan's capital, Juba, on Thursday evening, as heavy gunfire erupted following an attempt by security forces to arrest the former head of the National Security Service (NSS). The incident highlights deepening divisions within the country’s leadership as South Sudan grapples with unresolved power struggles and a fragile peace process.

The gunfire began around 7 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) and lasted for over an hour before subsiding, according to eyewitnesses and Reuters reporters. A United Nations safety alert advised staff members in Juba to shelter in place, citing the unrest linked to the attempted arrest of Akol Koor Kuc, who led the NSS since South Sudan's independence in 2011. He was dismissed by President Salva Kiir in early October and replaced with a close ally.

Contrary to reports of an arrest attempt, Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang stated that Akol Koor remained at home during the gunfire. Koang promised further clarification following a security meeting on Friday.

The removal of Akol Koor has been interpreted by analysts as part of a broader power struggle within the government. The development follows the transitional government’s announcement that national elections, originally slated for December, would be postponed for the second time, exacerbating political instability.

This episode is a stark reminder of South Sudan's volatile political landscape. The country, which experienced a devastating civil war between factions loyal to President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018, has struggled to maintain peace despite their power-sharing agreement. While large-scale conflict has diminished, sporadic clashes between opposing forces and violence among armed groups in rural areas persist.

As South Sudan approaches critical elections, the leadership's internal fractures and the potential for unrest remain significant challenges for the world’s youngest nation.