Recently, the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, revoked the appointment of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc as governor of Warrap State. Gen. Kuc, a former powerful spy chief, had led the National Security Services since the country gained independence in 2011.
After being dismissed last week while abroad on a private mission, Gen. Kuc arrived at Juba International Airport to a large crowd of supporters. Despite the warm reception, he quickly made his way to his car and left the scene.
His appointment as state governor was short-lived, as President Kiir replaced him with Lt. Gen. Francis Marial Abur in a surprising decree. Speculations about power struggles within the security sector and rumors of a potential coup involving Gen. Kuc and other military officers have emerged.
The decision to appoint Gen. Kuc as governor raised eyebrows, with some citizens believing it was a ploy to bring him back to Juba. Under his leadership, the National Security Service has faced criticism for cracking down on opposition voices, journalists, and civil society activists.