NSS Chief Gen. Akol Koor sacked, appointed Warrap State Governor
In a significant reshuffle, Gen. Akol Koor has been appointed as the new governor of Warrap State, replacing Governor Kuol Muor, as Gen. Akech Tong Aleu takes his place, at NSS
By Emmanuel Mandella
In a series of sweeping changes to key government positions, President Salva Kiir has relieved General Akol Koor Kuc from his position as Director General of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service (NSS), a role he has held since 2014. The changes were announced through a presidential decree broadcast on state-owned television, SSBC, late Wednesday evening.
In a significant reshuffle, Gen. Akol Koor has been appointed as the new governor of Warrap State, replacing Governor Kuol Muor, who was also relieved of his duties. This change marks a shift for Koor, who has had a long stint at the country’s intelligence and security sector for nearly a decade.
Simultaneously, President Kiir also announced the removal of General Akech Tong Aleu from his position as the First Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense. In the same decree, Gen. Akech was appointed as the new Director of the ISB, replacing Akol Koor.
These changes come at a critical time for South Sudan, as the country navigates a crucial phase in its history
During his tenure as head of the Internal Security Bureau, Gen. Akol Koor was known for his firm lens on national security and intelligence operations. Under his leadership, the NSS expanded its network of operatives across the country, gained a reputation for managing and maintaining control of key security matters. Koor’s approach drew both praise and criticism, with supporters citing his effectiveness in maintaining stability and curbing potential threats, while critics pointed weaknesses.
Koor played a crucial role during some of the most turbulent periods in South Sudan’s post-independence history, including the civil wars that erupted in 2013 and 2016. He was also instrumental in securing sensitive state information and overseeing intelligence operations that were vital to the government’s survival during periods of heightened political instability
However, Gen. Akech Tong Aleu, who now steps into the role of Director General of ISB, brings years of military experience and leadership. Known for his strategic mind, Akech’s tenure in the Ministry of Defense has seen him involved in defense policies and reform. His appointment to the head of ISB signals a new direction for the bureau, one that may seek to balance security priorities with the demands of South Sudan’s ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts.
As for General Akol Koor’s new appointment as governor of Warrap State, his leadership in the security sector is expected to influence his governance style. Warrap, a key state in South Sudan, has seen its own share of intercommunal violence and political tensions. Koor’s deep understanding of security dynamics could be an asset in bringing stability to the region, though it remains to be seen how he will transition from intelligence chief to state governor.
Under Koor’s leadership, the NSS became one of the most powerful institutions in South Sudan, with wide-ranging powers over internal security matters.
Gen. Akol Koor maintained the NSS’s role as a critical pillar of national security, navigating both internal and external threats to the state. His tenure coincided with South Sudan’s complex and often volatile political landscape.
The reshuffle may indicate President Kiir’s desire to recalibrate leadership in key areas as the country works toward consolidating peace, improving governance, and addressing security challenges.
Utilities
Under Koor’s leadership, the NSS became one of the most powerful institutions in South Sudan, with wide-ranging powers over internal security matters.
