South Sudan has had a relatively brief history since its independence in 2011, but here are the key presidents who have led the country:
1. Salva Kiir Mayardit (2011–Present)
- Term: From July 9, 2011, when South Sudan gained independence, to the present (as of 2025).
- Background: Kiir was the first President of South Sudan after the country became independent from Sudan. He was previously the Vice President of Sudan and the commander-in-chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) during the Second Sudanese Civil War.
- Major Events during his Leadership:
- South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
- The country faced a civil war between Kiir’s government and opposition forces led by Vice President Riek Machar starting in 2013.
- The civil war caused massive human suffering and displacement, with peace agreements signed in 2013, 2015, and 2018, leading to the formation of a unity government in 2020.
2. Riek Machar (2013-2016) (Vice President, briefly Acting President)
- Background: Riek Machar was the Vice President of South Sudan before the civil war broke out in 2013. During the conflict, Machar led the opposition forces, which were largely made up of ethnic Nuer people, against President Salva Kiir’s Dinka-led government.
- Acting President: After the outbreak of conflict, Machar was briefly named Acting President during periods when Salva Kiir was out of the country for medical reasons, but his role was mostly overshadowed by the civil conflict.
Transitional Government (2020–Present)
After years of conflict and fragile peace agreements, a transitional government was formed in 2020, which included both President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar sharing power as part of the peace process.
- Key elements of the transitional government:
- Salva Kiir remained President of South Sudan.
- Riek Machar was appointed First Vice President, marking the formation of a power-sharing government between the opposing factions.
Summary of Key Leadership:
- Salva Kiir Mayardit – First President since 2011; current president.
- Riek Machar – Vice President (until 2013), became key opposition figure; briefly Acting President during a crisis.
