011951
Born in Akon
Salva Kiir Mayardit was born in Akon Village, Gogrial West County, in present-day Warrap State. His journey began in a rural community before taking him into military service and national leadership.
Salva Kiir Mayardit
Who I am
A life of service
Salva Kiir Mayardit was born on 13 September 1951 in Akon, Gogrial, in what is today Warrap State. As a young man he joined the Anyanya movement in the struggle of the South, and after the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement he served as an officer in the national army.
In 1983 he was among the founders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and Army (SPLM/A), and served for more than two decades as a senior commander and deputy to Dr John Garang de Mabior. After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 and the death of Dr Garang, he became First Vice President of Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan.
On 9 July 2011, after the people of the South voted for independence, he became the first President of the Republic of South Sudan. He has since signed the 2015 and 2018 peace agreements and led the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.
Timeline
A lifetime of service
Six decades, three chapters: from the liberation struggle to independence, peace and regional leadership.
- Chapter I
The liberation struggle
1951 – 2002 -
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021967
Begins his liberation service
Salva Kiir joined the Anyanya liberation movement, beginning his participation in the struggle for Southern Sudan’s freedom and self-determination.
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031972
Continues military service
Following the Addis Ababa Agreement, Kiir Mayardit entered the Sudanese army through the integration of former Anyanya fighters. He continued his military career and rose to the rank of captain.
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041983
Helps establish the SPLM/A
Salva Kiir Mayardit joined Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, William Nyuon Bany and other leaders to establish the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and Army. As a founding member and High Command officer, he assumed senior responsibilities in the renewed liberation struggle.
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051980s–1990s
Serves in senior liberation leadership
Salva Kiir held senior military and political responsibilities within the movement. As Deputy Chairman and Deputy Commander-in-Chief, he helped lead the SPLM/A through the liberation years.
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06200220 July 2002
Signs the Machakos Protocol
Kiir Mayardit signed the Machakos Protocol as head of the SPLM/A delegation. The agreement recognised Southern Sudan’s right to determine its future through a referendum after a six-year interim period.
- Chapter II
Peace and independence
2005 – 2011 -
07200511 August 2005
Assumes national leadership
Following the death of Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Salva Kiir Mayardit assumed leadership of the SPLM. He became Sudan’s First Vice President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, carrying forward the transition towards self-determination.
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082010April 2010
Receives an electoral mandate
The people elected Salva Kiir President of the Government of Southern Sudan with approximately 93 per cent of the vote. He took the oath of office on 21 May 2010.
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0920119–15 January 2011
Leads through the independence referendum
Under the presidency of Salva Kiir Mayardit, Southern Sudan held its historic self-determination referendum. Independence received 98.83 per cent of valid votes, establishing the people’s choice for a sovereign nation.
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1020119 July 2011
Becomes South Sudan’s first President
South Sudan gained independence, and Salva Kiir Mayardit was sworn in as its first President. This historic milestone fulfilled the South Sudanese people’s pursuit of sovereign statehood.
- Chapter III
Building the nation
2013 – 2026 -
112013December 2013
Leads during a national crisis
Fighting erupted in Juba on 15 December and developed into a wider civil war during the presidency of Salva Kiir Mayardit. The conflict created urgent responsibilities for peace, reconciliation and national recovery.
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12201526 August 2015
Signs the peace agreement
President Salva Kiir signed the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The agreement established a framework for ending the conflict, sharing power and forming a transitional government.
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1320165 September 2016
Advances regional integration
During the presidency of Salva Kiir Mayardit, South Sudan deposited its instruments of ratification for accession to the East African Community. This milestone strengthened the country’s participation in regional cooperation.
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14201812 September 2018
Signs the revitalised peace agreement
President Kiir Mayardit joined other national leaders in signing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. The agreement renewed the framework for peace and a government of national unity.
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152020February 2020
Leads the unity government
Salva Kiir Mayardit continued as President following the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity. The government brought together parties to the peace agreement under a shared transitional framework.
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162020
Supports peace negotiations in Sudan
President Salva Kiir and the Government of South Sudan helped facilitate negotiations between Sudan’s government and armed movements. The United Nations recognised their contribution to the peace process.
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1720247 June 2024
Exercises regional leadership
As Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit, President Salva Kiir Mayardit chaired an extraordinary summit and hosted the swearing-in of EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva in Juba.
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1820269 July 2026
Marks fifteen years of independence
President Salva Kiir Mayardit led the nation in commemorating its fifteenth independence anniversary. He called for citizens and leaders to work together for peace, unity, national cohesion and prosperity.