South Sudan’s President has removed the nation’s long-serving intelligence chief

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has removed the nation’s long-serving intelligence chief, appointing a close associate in his place, as reported by the state broadcaster SSBC, referencing a presidential decree.

The ousting of Akol Koor Kuc, who has led the contentious internal security bureau of the National Security Service (NSS) since South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011, follows the transitional government’s recent announcement of yet another delay in the electoral process.

Last month, Kiir’s administration declared a two-year extension of the transitional period and postponed elections for the second time, following a previous delay in 2022. This decision has faced criticism from the United States and other international stakeholders involved in the peace process of the country.

Attempts to reach the government spokesperson and the president’s office went unanswered. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have consistently raised concerns about the NSS’s significant power, highlighting its impunity in dealing with civil society and activists who oppose the government.

Analysts indicate that the recent dismissal of the intelligence chief, which was announced late Wednesday, signifies an ongoing power struggle within the upper echelons of the government.

“There has been considerable deliberation regarding the future of Akol Koor. The president is cautious about making hasty decisions that could jeopardize national security,” stated policy and security expert Boboya James in an interview with Reuters.

“With the peace agreement now extended, he is likely to seek to strengthen his position by appointing loyalists to key government roles,” James added.

The newly appointed intelligence chief, Akec Tong Aleu, is a trusted associate of President Kiir. Although South Sudan concluded five years of civil conflict in 2018, persistent disagreements between Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar—who led the rival factions during the war—continue to hinder the peace process.