Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Youths from Greater Tonj in South Sudan’s Warrap State have appealed to President Salva Kiir to order the release of Gen. Akol Koor Kuch, the former Director General of the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau (ISB), who was violently arrested and placed under house arrest in Juba nearly a year ago.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group described Gen. Koor as a “patriotic son” and “national leader” who contributed significantly to South Sudan’s stability and should be granted his freedom.
“We, the youth of Greater Tonj, issue this statement to respectfully call upon H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit to consider the immediate and unconditional release of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc,” the statement read.
“As responsible youth and patriotic citizens, we stand firm in our commitment to peace, national unity, and respect for the rule of law. However, we are deeply concerned about the continued detention of our community’s son and national leader, whose contribution to the security and stability of our country is well recognized.”
The youth warned that Gen. Koor’s prolonged confinement “not only affects his family and community but also undermines the spirit of reconciliation and inclusivity” in the country.
Koor was disarmed and placed under house arrest in November 2024 following a violent standoff that saw heavily armed security forces surround his residence in Juba Nabari neighborhood. Multiple sources at the time said his confinement began in mid-October, shortly after he returned from a medical trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
His removal came abruptly during his medical leave when President Kiir dismissed him as head of the ISB and appointed him governor of Warrap State—a position he never assumed after being relieved of the post shortly thereafter.
Under Akol’s leadership, the Internal Security Bureau became one of South Sudan’s most powerful and secretive institutions. Reports by rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, accused the agency of arbitrary arrests, torture, and intimidation of activists and critics.
A 2022 report by The Sentry described the ISB as “the president’s own security force against internal threats to his rule,” noting its vast influence across government institutions and its superior training and equipment compared to the national army.
Despite these controversies, many across South Sudan, particularly in Warrap State, view Koor as a key figure in building the country’s intelligence infrastructure and maintaining internal stability after independence.
The government has not commented on the circumstances of his detention or whether he will be released.
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