Born in 1949 in Kirilo, Juba County, Dr. James Wani Igga’s journey from a junior officer in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) to a prominent South Sudanese leader embodies a classic rise from humble beginnings to political prominence.
Now 76, Igga’s career has spanned military service, legislative leadership, and high-level political appointments, culminating in his role as Vice President and a senior figure in the SPLM. However, recent political developments have seen him removed from key positions, sparking discussions about his legacy and the SPLM’s future.
A military and political ascent
Igga joined the SPLM/A in 1985, quickly rising through the ranks. From 1987 to 1992, he served as Zonal Commander for Central and Western Equatoria, later becoming Chief of Operations. His leadership was recognised at the 1994 SPLM/A National Convention in Chukudum, where he was appointed Secretary General, overseeing Finance and Economic Development. By 2008, Igga was elected SPLM Deputy Chairman at the movement’s second national convention.
His political career flourished as he served as Speaker of South Sudan’s Legislative Assembly from 2005 to 2013. In 2013, he was appointed Vice President, a role he held until 2025, later transitioning to Vice President for the Economic Cluster under the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. In 2019, Igga was honoured as a full General in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) for his military contributions.
Recent political shifts
On February 10, 2025, a surprise presidential decree by President Salva Kiir removed Igga from his role as Vice President, alongside other top officials. In a move described as a strategic realignment, Kiir appointed Igga as SPLM Secretary General while retaining his position as 1st Deputy Chairman of the party.
However, this dual role was short-lived. A subsequent decree, announced on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Friday, relieved Igga of his Secretary General post, replacing him with Prof. Paul Logale. The decree cited the SPLM’s intent to reorganise its internal structure ahead of the December 2026 elections but provided no specific reasons for Igga’s removal.
Defending Igga’s appointment as Secretary General before his removal, President Kiir emphasised its strategic importance:
“It is a recognition of Dr. Igga’s vast experience and unique ability to harmonise the party. His leadership will be crucial in preparing the SPLM for the challenges ahead, including the upcoming elections.” Despite this, Igga’s loss of the Secretary General role has been widely perceived as a demotion, leaving him without a senior position in the party or government.
Igga’s response and reflections
Addressing the media after losing his roles as Vice President and 1st Deputy Chairman, Igga maintained a composed stance. Speaking to SSBC while meeting his successor, Benjamin Bol Mel, he said, “Our People also should remain calm, government changes are all over the world are like that, nobody is permanent [in government].” He emphasised shared governance and economic goals with Mel, reflecting his commitment to national stability over personal ambition.
Days before his removal as Secretary General, Igga made headlines during a welcoming ceremony for Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, alleging internal manoeuvring within the SPLM.
“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.
He further remarked, “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,” hinting at internal rivalries contributing to his ousting.
A legacy of service
Igga’s contributions to South Sudan are extensive. But despite being a figure known for his humour, peace advocacy, and prioritisation of national interests, some view his accommodating nature in politics as a political vulnerability.
Igga graduated with a degree in Commerce from Cairo University in 1979, supporting himself through income-generating work as a student and political activist. After serving in the Ministry of Finance, specialising in insurance and financial systems, he earned a Master’s degree from the University of Greenwich in 2013 and a Ph.D. from Bulacan University, Philippines, in 2017.
Recent challenges
In an unrelated incident, a fire last month damaged part of the SPLM’s prefabricated offices, destroying some records. No injuries were reported, and an investigative committee’s findings are still pending. It is unclear whether such incidents informed decisions to oust Igga.
