In response to reports of a coup attempt, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit fired Inspector General of Police Gen. Majak Akec Balok.
There was no formal justification given by the president for the decision in his order, which was read out on Tuesday on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
But it happens only a few days after there were rumours of discontent inside the National Security Service (NSS) and the Presidential Guard, often known as Tiger Battalion. According to sources, some 27 officials from both security services were taken into custody.
Before being appointed to the role in February 2018, Gen. Balok held the position of director-general for immigration, nationality, and passports.
Lt Gen Atem Marol Biar has also been named by President Kiir as the next Inspector-General of Police. The Director General of the Interior Ministry’s Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality Passports, and Immigration was the position held by the newly appointed police head.
The most recent in a string of adjustments to South Sudan’s security apparatus is the removal of General Balok and the appointment of General Biar. These adjustments take place while the nation struggles with ongoing political unrest, bloodshed, and coup attempt speculations.
