President Kiir fires VP Wani Igga and appoints Benjamin Bol Mel as Vice President

South Sudan’s Political Shake-up: What Kiir’s Decrees Mean for Power and Peace

By PaanLuel Wël

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has once again reshuffled his government through a presidential decree, a move that has far-reaching political implications. Two key decisions stand out in this latest shake-up: the appointment of businessman Benjamin Bol Mel as Vice President for the Economic Cluster, replacing veteran politician James Wani Igga, and the dismissal of several SPLM-IO cabinet members without consultation with Dr. Riek Machar. These changes raise questions about the country’s power dynamics and the stability of the revitalized peace agreement.

Bol Mel’s Appointment: Power Play or Economic Strategy?

The appointment of Benjamin Bol Mel, a wealthy businessman and key beneficiary of South Sudan’s road construction projects, as vice president is a striking political maneuver. His rise to this influential position has fueled speculation that Kiir is positioning him as a successor, sidelining long-time SPLM loyalists like Wani Igga. Historically, Igga was seen as the most senior government figure in line to take over the presidency should Kiir be unable to continue. By moving Igga to the less powerful position of SPLM Secretary-General and promoting Bol Mel, Kiir has altered the internal power structure of the ruling party.

This decision has serious political ramifications, particularly for Equatorians, who saw Wani Igga as their best chance at national leadership. Igga’s demotion will likely deepen regional grievances, reinforcing perceptions that power remains concentrated in the hands of the Dinka elite. Furthermore, Bol Mel is not a traditional SPLM figure. His entry into the political sphere suggests that Kiir is prioritizing loyalty and economic control over party ideology. If the rumors are true—that Bol Mel is being positioned to protect Kiir’s wealth and maintain his legacy in case of an emergency—this move could trigger significant internal resistance within the SPLM.

Summary of the Presidential decrees

1. Sacked – James Wani Igga Vice President for Economic Cluster- SPLM
2. Sacked – Hussein Abdelbagi Akol – Vice President for Services Cluster – SSOA
3. Sacked – Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng – Minister of Health
4. Sacked – Hon. Josephine Lago – Minister of Agriculture
5. Sacked – Hon. Benjamin Bol Mel – Presidential Envoy on Special Programs
6. Sacked – Hon. Tut Gatluak – Presidential Envoy to Middle East
7. Sacked – Gen. Akech Tong Aleu – Director General of National Security and internal Bureau
8. Sacked – Hon. Alferd Futayo Governor of Western Equatoria State
9. Sacked – Peter Lam Buoth Secretary General SPLM

Appointment

1. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel – Vice President for Economic Cluster – SPLM
2. Josephine Lago – Vice President For Services Cluster – SSOA
3. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol – Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
4. Hon. James Wani Igga SPLM – Secretary General.
5. Minister of Health not replaced.
6. Governor of Western Equatoria State not replaced.
7. Deputy for director for Administrations and Finance to Act as the Director General Charles
8. Hon. Tut Kew assign as the Ambassador to Kuwait

SPLM-IO Blindsided: A Violation of the Peace Agreement?

Perhaps even more concerning is the unilateral removal of SPLM-IO ministers without prior consultation with Machar. The revitalized peace agreement stipulates that both parties must agree on government changes affecting their representatives. By dismissing SPLM-IO figures without Machar’s approval, Kiir has essentially undermined the spirit of power-sharing. This could be interpreted as a direct challenge to Machar’s authority, signaling a shift away from cooperation and toward consolidation of power.

How Machar and the SPLM-IO respond to this breach will be critical. If they view this as a deliberate violation of the agreement, it could lead to a political standoff or even a withdrawal from government participation. This comes at a time when the Tumaini peace initiative in Kenya is attempting to bring holdout opposition groups into the unity government. If SPLM-IO feels marginalized, it could weaken confidence in the peace process and embolden opposition factions that have refused to join the government.

What Next?

These political shifts create uncertainty at a critical moment for South Sudan. The sidelining of Wani Igga will likely create unrest in Equatoria, a region that has long felt excluded from national leadership. Meanwhile, the sidelining of SPLM-IO ministers could destabilize the delicate power-sharing arrangement. If these moves are part of a broader strategy to secure Kiir’s personal interests rather than strengthen national unity, they could push the country further toward political fragmentation.

The next steps from Machar, the Equatorians, and other key political players will determine whether this is merely a reshuffle or the beginning of a deeper political crisis.

About Post Author

PaanLuel Wël

administrator

PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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