King Paul, Akol Khor and Lual-Maroldit: Remembering the Liberators Who Fought for the Future of South Sudan

By Peter Wek Ayom Wek, Juba, South Sudan

As a citizen of this nation and an activist, I feel compelled to speak about what I remember during these difficult times our country has passed through. Some politicians may interpret my words as political support. However, when I support the President of the Republic of South Sudan, I also support those who serve under him, because they are part of the same national leadership.

Today, I remember three liberators whose presence, commitment, and hard work remain important in the history of South Sudan: Gen. Paul Malong Awan, former Chief of General Staff of the SPLA; Gen. Akol Koor Kuch, former Director General of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service, and Maj. Gen. Lual Wek Guem, former Commander of the Tiger Division.

Gen. King Paul Malong Awan

Gen. Paul Malong Awan Anei, popularly known as King Paul, was appointed in 2014 as Chief of General Staff of the SPLA. He became known as a strong military leader who worked to consolidate army structures, secure key areas across the country, and promote development within military institutions such as Bilpam and Giada, including facilities connected to the Tiger Division.

During the 2013 conflict and its aftermath, he played a major role in reorganising the SPLA and preventing the collapse of the government. He also contributed to rebuilding military infrastructure, including the construction of the “Blue House” and the renovation of the Ministry of Defence.

Before the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, during his time as a commander in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, General Malong was regarded by many as a security pillar who helped protect civilians from raiding militias. His supporters argue that he carried the same security commitment into his later role as army chief.

However, his leadership was not without controversy. In 2017, serious pressure came from the United Nations Security Council after reports emerged concerning restrictions on movement and alleged abuses. The UN accused forces under his command of responsibility for attacks on civilians, including killings, rape, and disappearances, particularly in Yei. These allegations intensified political pressure and contributed to the circumstances surrounding his removal.

Today, some people argue that no general has fully filled the position of Chief of Defence Forces in the way Gen. King Paul Malong once did. They believe the frequent removal of successive chiefs reflects a gap in military leadership. Others also argue that Dr Paul Nang, because of his commitment to the military, may have been better suited to continue in that role rather than being removed so quickly. Many citizens in Aweil, Warrap, Wau, and Lakes State were surprised by his removal and expected a different outcome.

Gen. Akol Koor Kuch

Since I came to Juba in 2012, my observations have taken me far beyond what I once imagined. Before coming to Juba, I was thirsty for understanding; now I have tasted a kind of political water that not everyone is allowed to drink.

From 2011, Gen. Akol Koor Kuch served in South Sudan’s Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service. Under his leadership, the NSS became more organised, disciplined, and technologically advanced. He was known for strengthening intelligence gathering, improving the welfare of security officers, and building a structured internal security institution.

He reorganised the NSS by improving training, providing uniforms, and establishing more regular systems of payment for officers. Many observers regarded the NSS under his leadership as one of the most organised security institutions in the country, sometimes even more structured than the regular army.

His intelligence and security management helped protect the leadership of President Salva Kiir and contributed to managing domestic security challenges. He was also credited by some with reducing crimes in Juba, including the activities of “unknown gunmen,” and with promoting accountability and professionalism within parts of the security sector.

However, from 2024, controversies and criticisms intensified. Human rights concerns placed the NSS under pressure, with accusations of arbitrary detention, surveillance of dissidents, and restrictions on political space. These allegations contributed to the pressure that eventually led to his removal. Since then, the institution appears unstable, as new appointees struggle to remain in office for even a year or half a year.

Maj. Gen. Lual Wek Guem

Lastly, we remember Maj. Gen. Lual Wek Guem, often referred to as Lual-Maroldit. He is a prominent South Sudanese military officer best known for his long service as Commander of the Tiger Division, the Presidential Guard. He was widely recognised for his loyalty to President Salva Kiir and for maintaining discipline within this elite force.

As commander of the Tiger Division, he was responsible for the safety of the President and for supporting national security. He helped organise the division and improve its effectiveness in protecting Juba and securing critical routes, including the Juba–Nimule highway.

Maj. Gen. Lual Wek was also recognised for instructing his soldiers to observe professional conduct, including obeying traffic laws. This helped reduce indiscipline among organised forces in Juba. His loyalty and stability made him a trusted figure within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.

In October 2024, he was removed as Commander of the Tiger Division, despite the fact that no formal charges had been brought against him during his tenure.

Conclusion

There is a proverb that says, “The tongue cannot reach the nose.” If it could reach it, it would cause pain. I am too small in appearance and position to reach my leaders face to face and speak directly about the future of this nation and its citizens. I am not saying that these three liberators must be returned to their former positions. I only want to remind the public of their commitment and service.

My advice is that if elections were to be held in December 2026, the humble President should appoint people who can cooperate with him in key national positions, including the Chief of Defence Forces, Director General of the ISB-NSS, Commander of the Tiger Division, and Inspector General of Police; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Petroleum; the National Revenue Authority, and the Bank of South Sudan. These positions are central to the future of the country and require committed, capable, and loyal individuals.

The author is a South Sudanese activist who can be reached at [email protected].

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