South Sudan capital shakes as gunfire breaks out over intel chief drama
Heavy gunfire hit Juba during an attempt to arrest South Sudans ex-spy chief. The incident shows growing tensions between top officials after recent election delays and political changes
Gunfire broke-out in Juba South Sudan on 11/21 evening as security forces tried to arrest the ex-intelligence head (which made UN staff hide in their buildings)
The hour-long shooting started around 7pm local-time‚ while forces moved to detain Akol Koor Kuc - who led National Security Service since the countrys independence in 2011; however army spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang said Kuc stayed at his house during the incident
Just last month President Salva Kiir removed Kuc from his position and put his close friend in charge; this move happened right after the govt announced that Dec elections would be pushed back again. The timing of these events shows some behind-the-scenes power-plays going on
The country has had its share of problems since breaking away from Sudan:
- Civil war between Kiir and Riek Machar groups from 13 to 18
- Hundreds of thousands died in the fighting
- Different armed groups still clash in rural areas
- Both leaders now work in same govt but dont fully trust each other
UN workers got messages telling them to stay inside during the shooting - which went on and off for bout an hour before things got quiet. Koang said heʼd talk more about what happened after meeting with other security people tomorrow
