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| Presidency of South Sudan | |
|---|---|
| Name | Presidency of South Sudan |
| Incumbent | Salva Kiir Mayardit |
| Incumbentsince | 9 July 2011 |
| Formation | 9 July 2011 |
| Inaugural | Salva Kiir Mayardit |
Presidency of South Sudan is the highest executive office in South Sudan established at independence on 9 July 2011. The officehead directs national policy, represents South Sudan in foreign relations with states such as Uganda, Sudan, and China, and commands institutions linked to security and development. The presidency has been central to post-independence politics involving actors like the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance.
The origins of the office trace to the liberation struggle led by the Sudan People's Liberation Army and leaders such as John Garang and Riek Machar, whose roles in the Second Sudanese Civil War shaped the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the 2011 referendum that produced independence. After independence, Salva Kiir Mayardit assumed the presidency amid challenges including clashes in Juba, internecine fighting during the South Sudanese Civil War (2013–2020), peace negotiations mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Troika and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. The office evolved through transitional arrangements like the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and powers reconfigured in constitutional drafts influenced by the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011.
The constitutional design assigns the president roles in foreign affairs with partners including United States, Ethiopia, Kenya, and multilateral forums such as the African Union and United Nations Security Council engagements. The president is head of state, head of the national executive in relation to ministries such as Ministry of Petroleum and Ministry of Finance and Planning, and exercises appointment powers over officials in institutions like the Supreme Court of South Sudan, the National Legislative Assembly, and the Peace and Reconciliation Commission. The president directs defense arrangements involving the South Sudan People's Defence Forces and security organs such as the SSPDF and nominal oversight of agencies linked to resource management administered by bodies like the Ministry of Petroleum and the National Revenue Authority.
Presidential selection has alternated between direct electoral mandates and transitional appointments arising from agreements among factions like the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance. Provisions inspired by the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 and the Revitalised Agreement address vacancy procedures, acting presidencies, and succession pathways involving figures such as Riek Machar, James Wani Igga, and Taban Deng Gai. Term limits have been contested in political debates involving the National Legislative Assembly and were a focal point in negotiations monitored by external partners including Norway and the United Kingdom.
Since independence the office has been held by Salva Kiir Mayardit, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. Contenders and coalition partners have included Riek Machar of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, Pagan Amum associated with factions of the SPLM, and leaders of groups such as the South Sudan Opposition Alliance and the National Democratic Movement. Political realignments involved parties like the Greater Pioneer Operating Company-linked elites and regional powerbrokers from states such as Unity State and Upper Nile (state), influencing appointments and coalition arrangements.
The presidency operates from facilities in Juba including the State House compound and presidential liaison offices that interact with ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and agencies like the South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission. Residences and official venues have hosted delegations from China, Qatar, Egypt, and representatives of the European Union. Presidential entourages coordinate with institutions such as the National Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs while ceremonial events take place at national sites including the Juba Stadium.
Security for the president relies on units drawn from the South Sudan People's Defence Forces and presidential guards trained and supported at times by partners like Uganda People's Defence Force contingents and international advisers from countries such as United States and Kenya. Ceremonial roles include receiving credentials from ambassadors accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presiding over national commemorations tied to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement liberation anniversary, and hosting state visits by leaders from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Egypt.
The presidency has been at the center of controversies involving alleged abuses during the South Sudanese Civil War (2013–2020), disputes over resource allocation in oilfields such as in Unity State and Upper Nile (state), and accusations addressed by bodies like the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. High-profile incidents in Juba and clashes involving commanders linked to figures such as Riek Machar prompted sanctions by the United States Department of the Treasury and travel restrictions from the European Union. Humanitarian crises managed by agencies including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the International Committee of the Red Cross have intensified scrutiny of executive conduct, while peace processes mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and facilitated by countries like Norway continue to shape accountability debates.
Category:Politics of South Sudan