South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
President Salva Kiir pulled one of the biggest surprise of the year, a double one when he removed Gen Akol Koor Kuc from heading the National Security Service Internal Bureau and appointed him as the governor of Warrap State.
As if that wasn’t a full package of surprise, Kiir again moved days later to revoke that appointment as governor.
When he made the change at the National Security Service, Kuc had traveled on a trip to the United Arabs Emirates from which he returned on Wednesday, ready to take up the position of governor of the State.
It was all jubilation by his community members who welcomed him at Juba International Airport with dances and laughter, extending merry making up to his house, and into the night.
That is when Kiir’s decree was read on the State owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation revoking his appointment to Warrap and appointing Francis Marial Abur as the new governor.
From Mayardit FM, The Dawn carries below a compilation of how communities reacted to the revocation of Kuc’s appointment as governor.
Mayardit FM writes on its Facebook page as copied below.
The revocation of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc’s appointment as governor has elicited a variety of responses from residents of different counties in Warrap State.
Many residents were anticipating substantial changes in the state, particularly in light of persistent concerns such as communal violence, revenge killings, cattle raiding, land disputes, and road ambushes.
In addition, there is a strong desire for infrastructure enhancements, as the highways that connect Warrap to neighboring areas, such as Abyei, Aweil, and Wau, have significantly deteriorated.
Samuel Yai Majook, a resident of Wunrok town in Twic County, emphasized that citizens should not criticize the presidency and should adhere to government directives, irrespective of their personal opinions.
“We feel voiceless because our government ignores our voices and requests. As citizens, we have little choice in this situation but to follow where they lead us,” Yai told Mayardit FM.
Another resident, Achuil Arou from Ngap Athian Payam in Gogrial West County, expressed discontent upon hearing about the removal of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc through a presidential decree.
Achuil noted that they had been celebrating Akol’s appointment, hopeful it would bring about lasting peace to Warrap State.
“We were expecting positive changes with the appointment of a true son of Warrap State to lead us,” he explained.
“Unfortunately, upon hearing about his removal, we have lost hope in the government due to this unexpected action.”
For his part, Achuil Machar Toc, a resident of Mangol Payam in Gogrial East County, shared his frustration, stating that appointed leaders have let down their supporters and that they would not support them in future elections.
Machar said: “We need leaders who represent the people, not those who pursue their own interests.”
Gen. Akol Koor Kuc was initially appointed governor by President Salva Kiir earlier this month after he was relieved of his position as director-general of the Internal Security Bureau within the National Security Service.
Many people however believe President Kiir has other plans for Kuc in other departments of his government