Dr. James Wani Igga, a key figure in the history of South Sudan’s liberation, has once again captured the spotlight with his recent appointment to crucial positions in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). This development is particularly significant given the party’s long history of succession based on strict hierarchy and loyalty to its veterans.
His appointment as Secretary General of the SPLM on February 10, 2025, following a reshuffle by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has raised eyebrows both within the party and among the South Sudanese populace.
Dr. Igga, a war veteran who fought for South Sudan’s independence alongside Dr. John Garang, President Salva Kiir, Dr. Riek Machar, and other prominent leaders, has long been an important figure in the SPLM. Since 1983, he has been part of the struggle for South Sudan’s liberation, making him one of the key leaders who contributed significantly to the nation’s independence. His journey through the ranks of the SPLM, however, is not just a story of liberation but also one of political maneuvering and survival within the party’s complex power dynamics.
The Reshuffle and Igga’s New Dual Role
The reshuffle on February 10, 2025, was a surprising move by President Kiir, who issued a series of decrees relieving several top officials, including Dr. Igga, from their government positions. However, rather than pushing Igga out of the political fold, Kiir elevated him within the party, naming him as the party’s Secretary General while retaining his role as the 1st Deputy Chairman of the SPLM.
This dual role, while seemingly a step up for Dr. Igga, has sparked concerns about the consolidation of power within the party and raised questions about the SPLM’s future trajectory. For many South Sudanese, this move was unexpected, as the SPLM typically follows a strict hierarchy, with long-standing veterans ascending to leadership positions. Dr. Igga’s appointment did not adhere to this conventional succession process, leading some to speculate that the decision was more of a strategic move by President Kiir to maintain control over the party and its direction.
Critics have labeled the decision as one based on veto power rather than a collective consensus from the SPLM’s Liberation Council or Political Bureau, the bodies traditionally responsible for making such significant decisions.
A Party in Need of Change: The Significance of Igga’s Appointment
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has long been a party where holding a position of power is a coveted goal for many members. Dr. Igga’s appointment to a key position has created a sense of unease among those within the party who may see this as an attempt by President Kiir to monopolize power. However, for others, it is viewed as a reward for Dr. Igga after being relieved of his vice-presidential duties—a way to keep him in the political fold and placate a veteran who has helped shape the country’s political landscape.
On February 26, 2025, Dr. Igga took the oath of office as the Secretary General of the SPLM. However, his demeanor during the ceremony indicated that he was not entirely satisfied with the decision. While taking the oath, he placed only three of his five fingers on the Bible, a gesture that many interpreted as a sign of reluctance or disappointment with the political maneuvering surrounding his appointment. President Kiir, in his remarks, clarified that the reshuffle and Igga’s new role were not meant to demote him but rather to help restore the party’s standing and broaden its appeal to voters in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
The Motive Behind Dr. Igga’s Appointment
Public and political analysts have speculated that Dr. Igga’s appointment may be part of a larger strategy by President Kiir to reorganize the SPLM’s leadership structure. Some have suggested that Kiir may be preparing the ground for Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, a rising star within the SPLM, to take on the role of 1st Deputy Chairman in the near future.
Dr. Bol, a former child soldier and military leader within the SPLA/SSPDF, has made significant strides within the movement, emerging as a key figure since 2016. His background in business, humanitarian work, and military leadership has made him an influential player in the party, and many believe he could be groomed for higher office. While this theory remains unconfirmed, the growing influence of Dr. Bol, coupled with the restructuring within the SPLM, could signal a shift in the party’s leadership in the coming years.
What’s Next for the SPLM?
The leadership dynamics within the SPLM are being closely watched by key figures, including Gen. Kuol Manyang and Gen. Daniel Awet Akot, the former Presidential Advisor for Military Affairs, both of whom serve as deputies to the party’s chairman. Gen. Manyang, who leads the National Transitional Committee (NTC) and the Tumaini peace initiative, is among those monitoring the situation closely.
The SPLM, with its rich history of leading Sudan to peace through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and its role in South Sudan’s eventual independence, remains a central force in the country’s political landscape. However, any shift in leadership or changes to the party’s power structure could have far-reaching consequences, particularly given the divisions that occurred within the SPLM following the 2013 conflict. Many South Sudanese are anxious about the potential for further fragmentation within the party, especially as the country approaches the 2026 elections.
The appointment of Dr. Igga as Secretary General, doubling his role as Deputy Chairman within the SPLM, is seen by some as a reward and by others as a political maneuver. Regardless, it is likely to be a pivotal moment in the party’s history. Whether this decision will bring stability or stir up new tensions within the SPLM and the broader South Sudanese political landscape remains to be seen.
The writer, Chuol Jany Bol, is a South Sudanese journalist and media rights advocate. He can be reached via email: chuoljaany@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.