By Kei Emmanuel
Secretary General and First Deputy Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Dr. James Wani Igga has dismissed any notion of an ‘earthquake,’ and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.
Dr. Igga’s appointment as SPLM Secretary General came after a government reshuffle, where he was replaced as Vice President of the Economic Cluster by Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel.
This swift transition sparked public debate, with some members of the public claiming that such changes could cause division with the party.
Speaking to party members at SPLM House in Juba after taking oath stated that as a founding member, he pledged his dedication to the principles of late Dr. John Garang De Mabior.
“I was nurtured by an iconic man and that is the First Chairman of the SPLM and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA, Comrade Dr. John Garang De Mabior, and a torch of the peoples’ struggle. I will not throw away his wise guidance and teaching but most importantly, how we dreamt and realistically pursued the noble vision, toward the ultimate freedom and prosperity of our people” he stressed.
He however called for reforms in the party, outlining plans for an overhaul of party structures.
While he did not specify the exact nature of the reforms, the party Secretary General mentioned the need for reorganization, particularly targeting the Political Bureau (PB), National Liberation Council (NLC), and the National Secretariat.
Describing himself as an “old broom who knows all the corners” of the party, Dr. Igga highlighted his previous tenures as Secretary General in 1994 and 2002, during the first SPLM National Convention in Chukudum.
He noted that he was the first-ever Secretary General of the political wing of the Movement.
Dr. Igga stated that his immediate task is to implement concrete reforms using established party mechanisms.
He gave a seven-day ultimatum to National Secretariat staff to submit detailed reports, warning against mismanagement of party resources.
The Secretary-General further directed SPLM leaders in government institutions, particularly those headed by SPLM Ministers, to adhere to party principles and brief the Secretariat on their activities. He threatened disciplinary action for non-compliance.
“Indiscipline and maladministration ought to be fought and will not be condoned,” Dr. Igga declared, stressing the importance of prioritizing the people and ensuring transparent resource management.
He pledged to prevent any diversion of the Movement’s assets within the Secretariat.
He underscored the necessity of reorganizing the party to align with citizens’ aspirations and as the party gears towards the 2026 general elections.
Dr. Igga, in his dual role as First Chairman, called for increased financial resources through reconciliation and revitalization of party members.
“SPLM party members genuinely need to reconcile and forgive one another while cohesively forging forward for a common purpose, the purpose of keeping this country solidly united,” he asserted.
He appealed for unity, discipline, trust, and hard work urging members to be ready for assigned programs leading to these events.
Recalling his early involvement in the liberation struggle, Dr. Igga recounted mobilizing 20,000 recruits from the Equatoria region in 1983.
He also highlighted his command of the Central and Western Equatoria zone during the conflict.
Dr. Igga stressed the importance of regional diversity and representation within government structures, advocating for the prevention of tribalism, nepotism, and hate speech to avoid a return to conflict.