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President of the
Republic of South Sudan
Flag of the President of South Sudan.svg
Seal of South Sudan.svg
Presidential Seal
Salva Kiir Mayardit at the White House (cropped).jpg
Incumbent
Salva Kiir Mayardit

since 9 July 2011
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


This article lists the heads of state of South Sudan since the establishment of the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region within Sudan in 1972.

The president of the Republic of South Sudan is the head of state and head of government of South Sudan. The president leads the executive branch of the Government of South Sudan and is the commander-in-chief of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces. The official residence of the president is State House, J1.

History of the office

The region of Southern Sudan (currently the independent republic of South Sudan) became autonomous for the first time, within Sudan, in 1972, through the Addis Ababa Agreement meant to end the First Sudanese Civil War, and its local government had five presidents until 1983, when the Sudanese central government revoked the autonomy. Autonomy was gained again in 2005, through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement meant to end the Second Sudanese Civil War, and the position of president of Southern Sudan was restored. Then, on 9 July 2011, South Sudan became independent and a new constitution was adopted.

Term limits

Salva Kiir's term as elected president ended in 2015, but constitutional amendments of 2018 and Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) formed in 2020 extended his mandate until 2023.

Titles of heads of state

  • 1972–1983: President of the High Executive Council
  • 2005–2011: President of the Government
  • 2011–present: President

Heads of state of South Sudan (1972–present)

(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office)

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Elected
Took office Left office Time in office

Southern Sudan Autonomous Region (1972–1983)

1
Abel Alier
Abel Alier
(born 1933)
6 April 1972 February 1978 5 years, 9 months SF
2
Joseph Lagu
Joseph Lagu
(born 1929)
February 1978 12 July 1979 1 year, 5 months SANU
3
Peter Gatkuoth
Peter Gatkuoth
(1938–2010)
12 July 1979 30 May 1980 323 days Independent
(1)
Abel Alier
Abel Alier
(born 1933)
30 May 1980 5 October 1981 1 year, 128 days SF
4
Gismalla Abdalla Rassas
Gismalla Abdalla Rassas
(1932–2013)
5 October 1981 23 June 1982 261 days Independent
5
Joseph James Tombura
Joseph James Tombura
(1929–1992)
23 June 1982 5 June 1983 347 days SANU
Autonomy abolished (5 June 1983 – 9 July 2005)

Southern Sudan Autonomous Region (2005–2011)

6
John Garang
John Garang
(1945–2005)
9 July 2005 30 July 2005 † 21 days SPLM
Salva Kiir Mayardit
Salva Kiir Mayardit
(born 1951)
Acting
30 July 2005 11 August 2005 12 days SPLM
7
Salva Kiir Mayardit
Salva Kiir Mayardit
(born 1951)
11 August 2005 9 July 2011 5 years, 332 days SPLM 2010

Republic of South Sudan (2011–present)

(7)
Salva Kiir Mayardit
Salva Kiir Mayardit
(born 1951)
9 July 2011 Incumbent 13 years, 126 days SPLM

Note: The President of South Sudan was also First Vice President of the Sudanese national government until 9 July 2011.

Timeline

Salva Kiir Mayardit John Garang Joseph James Tombura Gismalla Abdalla Rassas Peter Gatkuoth Joseph Lagu Abel Alier

Incoming election

See also

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