Is James Wani Igga Digging His Own Political Grave — or Has President Kiir Finally Shown His Cards?
By Justin, S, Swaka
Juba, South Sudan — May 2025
In the turbulent world of South Sudanese politics, few figures have displayed unwavering loyalty like James Wani Igga. Once referred to by admirers as "Kiir Baba" — the father figure to President Salva Kiir — Wani Igga served faithfully as Vice President after the 2013 Juba massacre of the Nuer community. He remained steadfast when others defected, never once signaling rebellion or disloyalty. But recent political maneuvers have left analysts asking: Has Wani Igga been blindsided, or is Kiir merely consolidating power in the face of his own waning influence?
A Sudden Fall from Grace
The political earthquake came in the form of a surprise presidential decree: Wani Igga was removed from his Vice President post and replaced by Benjamin Bol Mel — a little-known businessman, once sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2017 for alleged corruption and links to the regime’s financial networks.
The ruling party and the public were left stunned. Social media erupted with questions, criticisms, and speculation. Under pressure, Kiir was compelled to clarify his decision. He insisted Wani Igga's removal was not a demotion, but rather a promotion to a top post within the SPLM party structure.
Yet, less than two months later, another twist — Igga was quietly stripped of that SPLM post as well, and once again replaced by the same man who had taken his Vice Presidency. Today, James Wani Igga finds himself politically jobless, isolated, and—according to close observers—facing likely restrictions on his movements inside and outside the capital, Juba.
A Calculated Power Play?
Many analysts argue this is no coincidence. With Riek Machar reportedly in intensive care and politically incapacitated, Wani Igga stood next in line should anything happen to President Kiir. By systematically removing him from both government and party structures, Kiir has effectively eliminated a constitutional successor. The replacement, significantly, is a member of the Dinka ethnic group—specifically from Bahr el Ghazal, Kiir’s own political and geographic base.
Critics are calling this the latest chapter in what they describe as the "born-to-rule" ideology of the Jieng (Dinka) elite. The removal of Wani Igga, a Bari and one of the few prominent non-Dinka loyalists still standing beside Kiir, is being seen as a calculated move to ensure absolute control — even posthumously.
Governing by Decree
This episode also underscores a troubling pattern in South Sudan’s political landscape: the steady erosion of consensus in favor of governance by decree. As President Kiir loses broader political legitimacy, decrees have become his primary instrument of power. The fate of James Wani Igga sends a chilling message not only to opposition figures but also to those non-Dinka allies who have loyally stood by the regime, perhaps believing their allegiance would earn them protection.
But in today’s South Sudan, loyalty appears no longer to be a shield — it’s a trap.
What Lies Ahead?
For James Wani Igga, the future is uncertain. Once one of the most recognizable faces of post-independence governance, he now joins a growing list of sidelined comrades — political figures stripped of power and left exposed. Whether he will challenge this fall from grace or fade quietly into the background remains to be seen.
For President Kiir, however, the message is clear: He is still in charge — and he wants everyone to know it.
But at what cost?
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