President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s sweeping shakeup of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) leadership this week has heightened speculation that the aging leader is preparing for a political transition — one that could see Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel emerge as his successor. 

But the reshuffle also reflects deeper tensions within the ruling party, as veterans of the liberation struggle are sidelined in favor of a new, less ideologically rigid generation of loyalists.

In a series of presidential decrees read on state television Tuesday night, Kiir removed Dr. James Wani Igga, one of the SPLM’s most senior and longest-serving figures, from his position as First Deputy Chairperson and Secretary-General of the party. 

In his place, Kiir installed Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel — a relative newcomer to frontline politics who was only appointed vice president in February 2025 but is already seen as one of the most powerful figures in the current administration.  

Bol Mel’s appointment to both top party and executive government roles has fueled belief among analysts and observers that Kiir, now 73, is signaling his succession plan.

Reshuffle Reaches Deep into Party Hierarchy

Kiir’s changes extended beyond the elevation of Bol Mel. Daniel Awet Akot, who served as the SPLM’s Second Deputy Chairperson and is also a veteran of the liberation war, was dismissed and replaced by Mary Apai Ayiga. 

Ayiga, who had served as Deputy Secretary-General, now steps into a more senior role, reflecting the president’s interest in projecting gender inclusivity while consolidating internal loyalty. 

Similarly, Kuol Manyang Juuk — the former Minister of Defense and a founding member of the SPLM’s high command — was removed as Third Deputy Chairperson. 

In his place, Kiir appointed Simon Kun Puoch, the former Governor of Upper Nile State and a longtime ally known for his loyalty and regional influence.

In another decree, Kiir formally revoked Igga’s position as Secretary-General and also removed Ayiga from her previous role as Deputy Secretary-General. 

These sweeping changes have reset the entire upper echelon of the SPLM’s leadership structure and positioned the party firmly under Kiir’s chosen inner circle.

Liberation Icons Pushed Aside

The removal of Igga, Awet Akot, and Kuol Manyang is especially symbolic. 

All three men were central figures in the SPLA’s liberation war against Sudan and were instrumental in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that eventually led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011. 

Their sidelining is likely to deepen rifts within the SPLM, where older cadres increasingly feel marginalized by a new wave of technocrats and political operatives with little to no history in the liberation struggle.

“This is not just a routine reshuffle — it is a rewriting of the SPLM’s political DNA,” Ter Manyang Gatwech, a political analyst in Juba, was quoted as saying. 

“Kiir is sidelining the liberation generation in favor of individuals who are loyal to him personally, not ideologically tied to the SPLM’s founding principles.”

Bol Mel: Controversial but Powerful

Bol Mel’s elevation is perhaps the most consequential aspect of this political overhaul. 

Though his political career is still in its early stages, his influence has grown rapidly. 

As Vice President in charge of the economic cluster, Bol Mel controls key levers of public finance, infrastructure, and investment — all critical to South Sudan’s fragile economy. 

His close ties to Kiir and expanding portfolio have made him a key figure in internal power dynamics.

However, Bol Mel is not without controversy. He is under U.S. sanctions for alleged involvement in corrupt procurement practices and for heading companies tied to South Sudan’s “kleptocratic network,” as the U.S. Treasury once described it. Despite this, Kiir appears undeterred in promoting him.

Machar’s Isolation 

The SPLM’s internal changes are unfolding against a broader political crisis. 

First Vice President Riek Machar, Kiir’s longtime rival and partner in the fragile unity government, remains under house arrest following his alleged role in recent violence in Nasir County. 

His detention has drawn criticism from international peace monitors and casts further doubt on the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

Observers warn that Kiir’s focus on party consolidation rather than national reconciliation could unravel the already delicate peace process.

“In weeks or months, South Sudan could face chaos as the ruling party fractures,” Gatwech warned.

 “Veterans are angry. The opposition is watching. And citizens, still waiting to vote for the first time, feel abandoned.”

Elections Deferred, Future Uncertain

South Sudanese elections, originally scheduled under the peace deal, were delayed again in September 2024, with leaders citing unimplemented reforms, lack of census data, and insecurity. 

The delays have deepened public frustration in a country where no post-independence national election has been held.

For now, Kiir’s reshuffle consolidates his grip on power — but also sets the stage for a fierce political contest within the SPLM. 

Whether Bol Mel emerges as a unifying figure or a divisive one will likely define South Sudan’s next chapter.

As the SPLM transforms from a liberation movement to a political party grappling with generational transition, the question facing South Sudan is no longer whether Kiir will step aside — but who will hold the center when he does. 

By ChimpReports