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Salva Kiir MayarditPresident of the Republic of South Sudan since July 9, 2011
Date of Birth: 13.09.1951
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Content:
- President of the Republic of South Sudan
- Role in the Independence Movement
- Leadership of the SPLA
- Foreign Relations and Diplomatic Achievements
- Dissolution of Parliament and Civil Conflict
- Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
President of the Republic of South Sudan
Early Life and CareerSalvatore Kiir Mayardithas served as the President of the Republic of South Sudan since its independence on July 9, 2011. However, he briefly held the position as Acting President after the declaration of independence but before his own official swearing-in.
Prior to 2011, Kiir served as President of the autonomous Government of Southern Sudan and as Vice President of Sudan from 2005 to 2011. He is also the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), a political and military movement fighting for South Sudan's independence.
Role in the Independence Movement
Southern Sudan's Struggle for IndependenceKiir, a member of South Sudan's largest ethnic group, the Dinka, joined the Anyanya rebel army in 1967 in the fight against the Sudanese government. After a peace agreement was reached in 1972, he became an officer in the Sudanese army.
During the second Sudanese Civil War, Kiir led the military wing of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), rising to be the Deputy Leader and chief negotiator under John Garang. Garang favored autonomy for South Sudan, while Kiir advocated for complete independence, leading to tensions between the two leaders. Attempts by Garang to remove Kiir from his position in 2004 resulted in a rebellion within the SPLA.
Leadership of the SPLA
Following Garang's death and the independence of South Sudan, Kiir assumed leadership of the SPLA. He served as Acting President of South Sudan from 2005 to 2011 and became President upon the country's official independence.
Foreign Relations and Diplomatic Achievements
Israel Visit and Diplomatic TiesKiir made his first official foreign visit to Israel in December 2011, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials. The two countries discussed establishing diplomatic relations and cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and education. Israel was one of the first nations to recognize South Sudan's independence.
Dissolution of Parliament and Civil Conflict
Parliamentary DissolutionIn 2021, Kiir dissolved the South Sudanese parliament.
Civil Conflict and Attempted Coup
A civil conflict between the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups erupted in South Sudan in 2013. Kiir accused his political opponent, Riek Machar, of attempting a coup d'état in December 2013. Forces loyal to Kiir reportedly defeated the attempted coup and pursued the rebels.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The conflict in South Sudan has led to widespread human rights violations and violence against civilians, with ethnic tensions playing a significant role. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced or forced to flee the country. The United Nations reported that both government and rebel forces were responsible for these abuses.
