Dr. James Wani Igga, the former Vice President of South Sudan and current SPLM 1st Deputy Chairman, has accepted the additional role of SPLM Secretary-General, according to a statement from his press team.
The statement emphasized that Dr. Igga’s decision was made in the interest of the welfare and unity of the SPLM, which it referred to as the “Mighty, Revolutionary, and Historical Party.” It called on all SPLM members, both in the country and in the diaspora, to prioritize national, party, and public interests over personal agendas.
Dr. Igga’s swearing-in ceremony will be presided over by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the SPLM House in Juba. Following the ceremony, Dr. Igga will officially hold the title of both SPLM 1st Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General.
This new appointment comes after Dr. Igga was relieved of his duties as Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, a position now held by Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel.
Despite rumors that Dr. Mel would succeed Igga as the SPLM 1st Deputy Chairman, that transition has not yet taken place. Notably, President Kiir did not remove Dr. Igga from his role as SPLM 1st Deputy Chairman.
Dr. Igga has been a key figure in South Sudan’s liberation movement, serving as a commander in the Equatoria region since the formation of the SPLM. His longstanding contributions to the party and the country are well-regarded.
