There have been reports of gunfire in the capital, Juba

Sporadic heavy gunfire has been reported in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, in what appears to be clashes between rival armed groups.

A security guard in the Thongpiny area told Radio Tamazuj that the fighting began near former spy chief General Akol Koor Kuc’s residence before spreading to areas near Juba Airport.

Residents of the Gudele neighborhood also confirmed hearing heavy gunfire in Thongpiny, although the cause of the shooting remains unclear.

Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society activist, confirmed hearing gunshots in some parts of Juba. He stated that according to information he received, the exchange of gunfire began after government forces tried to arrest the former spy chief, General Akol Koor Kuc, but his security guards resisted.

When contacted by Radio Tamazuj to update the public, Colonel John Kassara Koang, South Sudan police spokesman, urged residents to remain calm following reports of heavy gunfire in the Thongpiny residential area.

“Although I cannot give exact details, we also heard gunshots around Thongpiny,” he said. “However, the situation has now returned to normal. We continue to gather information and my message to the public is to remain calm – everything is under control.”

Further updates to follow.