By William Madouk
Born in 1949 in Kirilo, of Juba County, Dr. James Wani Igga rose from major ranks to lead the Shakus Battalion, the ruling party, SPLM’s top post, and the most-coveted seat as second man after the president.
The rise akin to the life of a proverbial man of rise from grass to grace, saw the 79-year-old transition since he joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in 1985 as a junior officer.
But not any longer, as the whirlwind presidential decree removed Dr. Igga from his sole remaining senior post inside the party — the SPLM secretary general – substituting him with Paul Logole Daniel, rendering Igga jobless.
Kiir also named Baba Medan Konyi as the Second Deputy Secretary General, tasked with overseeing administration and finance.
A Republican Decree read on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation Friday did not cite any reason but stated that the SPLM seeks to reorganize its internal structure ahead of the December 2026 elections.
This mini-reshuffling occurred just days after Igga uttered a bombshell, saying individuals within the SPLM party structure manipulate situations to push sitting officials out of office during the welcoming ceremony of Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.
Reflecting on his personal experience, the former vice president disclosed that the same set of people who regularly lobby for government positions were responsible for his expulsion from office.
“If you have asked for financial support and you are not given, do not go ahead and tell lies,” he charged. “This is how all our leaders were changed, and I was also changed the same way. The truth must be told.” Igga said.
“I told them earlier that you people of Central Equatoria State who work for my downfall, if I am out of there, not a single one of you will come there. I went there with my means from the bush,” he added.
A month ago, at 12:47 PM fire burned part of the prefabricated SPLM offices and destroyed some records. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, and an investigative committee has yet to release the findings.
In a surprise political reshuffle on Feb 10, 2025, the President relieved several top officials, including Vice President Dr. Igga, from their government roles.
Nevertheless, rather than sidelining him, Kiir appointed Igga as the SPLM Secretary General, while he retained his position as 1st Deputy Chairman of the party; the dual role also did not last long.
The head of state then appointed Dr. Igga as Secretary-General of the SPLM party, which many see as a demotion. Defending the choice, Kiir insisted the move is not a demotion but a strategic step to strengthen the party.
“It is a recognition of Dr. Igga’s vast experience and unique ability to harmonize the party. His leadership will be crucial in preparing the SPLM for the challenges ahead, including the upcoming elections.” Kiir said.
Dr. Igga, in his first word to the media after losing two top seats – the vice president and as First Deputy Chairman of South Sudan’s ruling SPLM party in the national government, said nobody stays in the government for life.
Speaking to state media – SSBC, Igga underscored that no one maintains power indefinitely and characterized government changes as usual while meeting with his successor, Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel.
“Our People also should remain calm, government changes are all over the world are like that, nobody is permanent [in government],” he said.
In addition, Igga stated that he and Mel had similar goals in terms of governance and economics.
Kiir asserted during the swearing-in ceremony of Bol Mel as SPLM first deputy that the decision was made to give leadership to young people, a claim that many locals find humorous considering the new appointees’ age brackets, which, like those of their predecessors, fell below the youth age range.
Dr. Igga was well-respected among citizens for his love of peace, humor, and putting the nation first over his interests, which many view as a weakness.
Igga’s history
Dr. James Wani Igga joined the SPLM/A liberation movement in 1985. He rose through the ranks of the SPLM/A, serving as Zonal Commander for Central and Western Equatoria (1987–1992) and later as Chief of Operations.
Following the 1994 SPLM/A National Convention in Chukudum, he became Secretary General, also overseeing Finance and Economic Development.
In 2008, Wani was elected SPLM Deputy Chairman following the movement’s second national convention.
Having cut his teeth deep into politics, Wani served as Right Honorable Speaker of South Sudan’s Legislative Assembly, 2005-2013.
He was appointed Vice President in 2013 and served as Vice President for the Economic Cluster under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
In recognition of his military service, he was decorated as a full General in the SSPDF in 2019.
Igga’s education
Dr. James Wani Igga began his academic journey at Karpeto, Lobonok, and graduated with his first degree from Cairo University in 1975, graduating with a degree in Commerce in 1979.
A political activist and mobilizer during his school years, he supported his education by working in income-generating institutions.
After graduation, he served at the Ministry of Finance docket, specializing in insurance and financial systems.
He later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Greenwich in 2013 and a Ph.D. from Bulacan University, Philippines, in 2017.