List of heads of state of South Sudan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of theRepublic of South Sudan |
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Presidential Seal
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| Style | His Excellency |
| Member of | Cabinet |
| Residence | State House, Juba |
| Seat | Juba |
| Appointer | [John Garang] |
| Term length | 13 years |
| Constituting instrument | Transitional Consistution of South Sudan |
| Precursor | President of the Government of Southern Sudan |
| Formation | 9 July 2011 |
| First holder | Salva Kiir Mayardit |
| Deputy | Vice President of South Sudan |
| Salary | 45,922,800 SSP / 150,000-300,000 USD Monthly |
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The President of the Republic of South Sudan is a very important leader. They are both the head of state (the main representative of the country) and the head of government (the person in charge of how the country is run). The President leads the government and is also the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces.
The current President of South Sudan is Salva Kiir Mayardit. His official home is called State House, located in Juba. This article will tell you about the leaders of South Sudan since it first became an independent region in 1972.
Contents
How the President's Job Started
The area now known as South Sudan first gained some independence within Sudan in 1972. This happened because of an agreement called the Addis Ababa Agreement. It helped to end the first civil war in Sudan. During this time, the region had five leaders.
However, in 1983, the main government of Sudan took away this independence. South Sudan became independent again in 2005. This was thanks to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the second civil war. The job of president for Southern Sudan was brought back. Finally, on July 9, 2011, South Sudan became a fully independent country. A new constitution was then created for the new nation.
How Long a President Serves
Salva Kiir was elected president, and his term was supposed to end in 2015. However, some changes were made to the constitution in 2018. Also, a new government was formed in 2020. These changes allowed his time as president to be extended until 2023.
Different Names for the Leaders
Over the years, the top leader of South Sudan has had different titles:
- 1972–1983: President of the High Executive Council
- 2005–2011: President of the Government
- 2011–present: President
Leaders of South Sudan (1972–Present)
Here is a list of the people who have led South Sudan since 1972. The dates in italic mean they continued in their role even if the official title changed slightly.
| No. | Picture | Name (Born–Died) |
Time in Office | Political Party | Election | ||
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| Started | Ended | Total Time | |||||
Leaders of the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region (1972–1983) |
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| 1 | Abel Alier (born 1933) |
6 April 1972 | February 1978 | 5 years, 9 months | SF | – | |
| 2 | Joseph Lagu (born 1929) |
February 1978 | 12 July 1979 | 1 year, 5 months | SANU | – | |
| 3 | Peter Gatkuoth (1938–2010) |
12 July 1979 | 30 May 1980 | 323 days | Independent | – | |
| (1) | Abel Alier (born 1933) |
30 May 1980 | 5 October 1981 | 1 year, 128 days | SF | – | |
| 4 | Gismalla Abdalla Rassas (1932–2013) |
5 October 1981 | 23 June 1982 | 261 days | Independent | – | |
| 5 | Joseph James Tombura (1929–1992) |
23 June 1982 | 5 June 1983 | 347 days | SANU | – | |
| No independence for South Sudan (June 5, 1983 – July 9, 2005) | |||||||
Leaders of the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region (2005–2011) |
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| 6 | John Garang (1945–2005) |
9 July 2005 | 30 July 2005 † | 21 days | SPLM | – | |
| – | Salva Kiir Mayardit (born 1951) Acting |
30 July 2005 | 11 August 2005 | 12 days | SPLM | – | |
| 7 | Salva Kiir Mayardit (born 1951) |
11 August 2005 | 9 July 2011 | 5 years, 332 days | SPLM | 2010 | |
Leaders of the Republic of South Sudan (2011–Present) |
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| (7) | Salva Kiir Mayardit (born 1951) |
9 July 2011 | Incumbent | 13 years, 339 days | SPLM | – | |
Note: Before July 9, 2011, the President of South Sudan was also the First Vice President of the main Sudanese government.
Upcoming Election
There will be a new election in South Sudan soon. You can find more information about it here: 2024 South Sudanese general election.
See also
- Southern Sudan Autonomous Region (1972–1983)
- Southern Sudan Autonomous Region (2005–2011)
- Politics of South Sudan
- History of South Sudan
- List of governors of pre-independence Sudan
- Vice President of South Sudan
Images for kids
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Abel Alier, who served as President of the High Executive Council.
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John Garang, a key figure in South Sudan's history.
