South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has reinstated Dr. James Wani Igga as vice president in a significant reshuffle that has stirred political debate across the country. The move follows the dramatic dismissal and demotion of Benjamin Bol Mel, a once-influential figure and previously considered a rising power within Kiir’s circle.
Igga, a veteran politician and long-serving member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), returns to the vice-presidency for economic affairs just months after his earlier removal. His reinstatement is widely viewed as a strategic decision meant to reinforce stability and continuity within the top leadership. Many observers see Igga as a trusted pillar in Kiir’s administration, especially during moments of heightened political uncertainty.
Bol Mel’s removal came through a presidential decree that not only dismissed him from his vice-presidential role but also stripped him of senior party responsibilities. In an unusually harsh measure, he was further demoted from the rank of general to private in the national security service. His rapid ascent and equally rapid fall had fuelled speculation about his influence, business networks, and potential as a future political successor.
The reshuffle extended beyond the vice-presidency, with several ministers and senior officials replaced. Analysts say these shifts reflect Kiir’s broader effort to consolidate control, manage internal SPLM rivalries, and reassert loyalty within the administration ahead of impending political transitions.
Igga’s comeback is being interpreted as a stabilizing gesture. Known for his experience, negotiation skills, and longstanding service in South Sudan’s political arena, he is seen as someone capable of helping steer the government through ongoing tensions and peace-process challenges.
The shake-up comes at a time when the country faces renewed questions about leadership succession, implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, and Kiir’s long-term political plans. In reinstating Igga and sidelining Bol Mel, the president appears focused on reinforcing cohesion within his inner circle while setting the tone for South Sudan’s next chapter.