The spokesperson of the SSPDF on Sunday asked Juba dwellers to remain calm and go about their everyday business after shots rang out at the Giada Military Barracks, which houses the Special Forces and Tiger Division, which protects the president.
A press release issued by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang on Sunday evening said there was no political motive in the Giada shootout and clarified that a soldier shot and killed a colleague over a drink (alcohol) and wounded three others. He said the errant soldier was later shot and injured before being restrained.
“This message serves to inform own rank and file and the members of the public at large that small arms fire heard at Suk Haradeb, at Giada Military Barracks, west of Juba Town, was not politically motivated,” the statement reads in part. On 6 April 2025 at 5:59 p.m., an SSPDF soldier identified as PVT. Akol Agang Kuol opened fire on a colleague he differed with over a drink, killing him instantly. Three more servicemen were shot and wounded in crossfire by the same rogue soldier.”
“Responding to hostile fire, the culprit’s colleagues and soldiers from Special Forces returned effective fire, which resulted in him getting gunshot wounds,” Gen. Ruai added.
He said that all the wounded were rushed to Juba Military Hospital for treatment and that the culprit will be treated under armed guard, after which he will be arraigned before a competent District Military Court Martial.
“Members of the public are requested to go about their businesses,” Ruai stated.