Former SPLM Deputy Chairman, Prof. James Wani Igga, broke his silence on Tuesday, meeting with his successor, Benjamin Bol Mel, who was recently appointed as the First Deputy Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
According to reports, Prof. Igga has accepted the leadership transition and pledged his full support to the new SPLM leadership.
He “welcomed the decision by His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, expressed confidence in the new SPLM leadership, and called upon all citizens and party members to rally together under the renewed direction.”
Dr. James Wani Igga, who previously served as the Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster, was removed from the position earlier this year and replaced by Benjamin Bol Mel, who has also succeeded him in the party’s top leadership.
Vice President Dr. Bol Mel, hailed Mr. Igga as a towering statesman and a pillar of the party. He welcomed Prof. Igga’s show of unity and pledged to continue drawing from his wisdom, experience, and principled leadership.
“Unity among leaders is the foundation for national healing, peace, and development,” Dr. Bol Mel said. “When leaders stand together, the people of South Sudan move forward together.”
Many critics view the recent changes within the ruling SPLM party as paving the way for Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to potentially succeed as President of South Sudan. Others see it as a positive step toward involving younger leaders in the party’s leadership, breaking away from the traditional hierarchy.
