By Deng Ghai Deng
Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, the former director of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service (NSS), returned to Juba on Wednesday after a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He was dismissed by President Salva Kiir last week.
His return, marked by a notably gloomy look, raised eyebrows among supporters who gathered in large numbers at Juba International Airport.
Opting for silence, Gen. Kuc avoided media interactions and departed quickly in a convoy of NSS soldiers, leaving many of his supporters feeling abandoned.
Despite his abrupt dismissal, he has been reassigned to the governorship of Warrap State, Kiir’s home territory, where he faces ongoing security challenges.
Local leaders have voiced optimism about Kuc’s ability to restore stability in Warrap, with Chief Mayom Bang Aken praising the appointment as a step toward much-needed disarmament and law enforcement.
“We believe Gen. Akol will listen to the people and bring peace to Warrap, just as Gen. Rin Tueny did in Lakes State,” Aken stated.
Echoing similar sentiment, Chief John Garang Deng called on Gen. Kuc to facilitate dialogue among local communities, suggesting collaboration with leaders from Lakes State and Abyei to strategize peacekeeping efforts.
“My message to Akol Koor is that he should reach out to the governors of Lakes State and Abyei to discuss how to maintain peace among the communities in Bher El Gazal,” Deng urged.
Kuc’s reassignment comes at a time of sensitive speculation regarding power struggles within the Security sector, particularly amid rumors of a potential coup involving Kuc and Gen. Lual Wek, commander of the Tiger Division, also known as the Presidential Guards.