SSPDF denies claims of military tension

SSPDF spokesperson briefs reporters on the security situation in Juba on Friday, November 22, 2024 (Radio Tamazuj) November 22, 2024

The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has denied circulating rumors that suggested Military Intelligence (MI) Chief, General Stephen Marshall, had been suspended by the Chief of Defense Forces, General Santino Deng Wol.

The claims, which spread rapidly on social media, alleged that tensions had escalated near military headquarters in Bilpam and Newsite residential areas after General Marshall allegedly defied an order for his suspension in connection with an assassination attempt on former spymaster, General Akol Koor Kuc.

In a swift response, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson for the SSPDF, categorically denied the rumors.

“General Stephen Marshall has not been suspended, nor has he been detained. Additionally, there is no tension in Newsite or Bilpam as a result of these rumors. These are completely baseless and the work of warmongers,” Koang told Radio Tamazuj.

The rumors surfaced amid heightened security concerns following a deadly gunfire exchange in Juba last Thursday night, which resulted in the deaths of a number of people.

The incident was reportedly linked to an attempt to relocate General Akol Koor, the former Director-General of the National Security Service (NSS), who was dismissed earlier in October. Authorities confirmed that General Koor was transferred from Tongpiny to his new residence in Jebel.

General Akol Koor, who had led the NSS since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, was removed from his position by President Salva Kiir in what has been interpreted as part of a broader power struggle within the transitional government.

Political analysts suggest that Koor’s dismissal was a calculated move by Kiir to reinforce his hold on power.