Leadership Shift in SPLM: Bol Mel Tipped as Kiir’s Potential Successor ‎

President Kiir VP. Bol Mel

‎President Salva Kiir has appointed Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel as the First Deputy Chairperson of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), in a significant reshuffle that signals potential shifts in the country’s political future.

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‎Dr. Bol Mel replaces veteran politician Dr. James Wani Igga, who has served in the SPLM leadership since the liberation struggle. 

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‎The move has sparked wide speculation that President Kiir may be grooming Bol Mel as his successor ahead of the long-awaited national elections.

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‎In the same decree, Kiir also removed Daniel Awet Akot and Kuol Manyang Juuk from their positions as second and third deputy chairpersons. They were replaced by Mary Apai Ayiga and Simon Kun Puoch, former governor of Upper Nile State.

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‎Bol Mel, a known close ally of Kiir, currently oversees the economic cluster in the government. He is also a prominent businessman who has faced U.S. sanctions over alleged ties to corrupt business dealings.

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‎The SPLM did not issue a formal explanation for the reshuffle. However, political analysts believe the changes could realign power within the party and spark tensions with sidelined liberation-era leaders.

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‎“This may affect the implementation of the peace agreement if not managed properly,” said Ter Manyang Gatwech, a political analyst. “It’s a sign that the internal dynamics of the SPLM are shifting rapidly.”

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‎The leadership changes come as South Sudan grapples with delayed elections, economic hardship, and peace implementation challenges. 

National elections initially scheduled for 2023 have now been postponed twice, with no confirmed date in sight.