Kiir launches probe into shootout at ex-spy chief’s home

Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol (Photo credit: Radio Tamazuj)

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Thursday night formed a five-member committee to investigate last week’s shootout at the home of the powerful former spy chief Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, who was sacked two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot.

Gunfire erupted last Thursday evening in the Thongpiny neighborhood in the capital, Juba.

The deadly shooting around the home of Gen. Koor, who was fired by President Salva Kiir in early October and then placed under house arrest, lasted about an hour.

In a presidential decree broadcast on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir said the investigation committee is led by Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol of the SSPDF, with Maj. Gen. Deng Akol Wek from the National Security Services as deputy.

Other members of the committee include Maj. Gen. Chinraan Machar Chol, Brig. Gen. Deng Mabior Deng, and Col. Patrick Lumumba.

The committee’s mandate is to “determine the circumstances that led to the shootout at Gen. Koor’s residence.” It has been authorized to summon and interview officers and witnesses and issue arrest warrants for individuals who refuse to cooperate without valid justification.

Additionally, the committee will request and review relevant documents, assess casualties and injuries among security personnel and civilians and evaluate any property damage or environmental impact.

President Kiir has instructed the committee to submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.

Koor became head of the National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan’s independence in 2011 but was sacked in October, leading to widespread speculation that he had been planning to overthrow President Kiir.

Military Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang had said last week the shooting involved “our own security forces that had been deployed there to provide extra security”.

He said there was a “misunderstanding” between two levels of security providing protection at Koor’s home.