Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Salva Kiir

Role / Field:

South Sudanese politician and President of South Sudan since 2011.

Born:

1951-09-13

Century / Era:

1951s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Salva Kiir Mayardit (born 13 September 1951) is a South Sudanese politician who has served as the President of South Sudan since its independence on 9 July 2011. Prior to independence, he was the President of the Government of Southern Sudan, as well as First Vice President of Sudan, from 2005 to 2011. He was named Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in 2005, following the death of John Garang. Kiir was born to the Dinka ethnic group and joined Anyanya rebels fighting for Southern independence during the First Sudanese Civil War in 1967.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Following the outbreak of the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1983, Kiir joined the new Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) rebel group led by John Garang as a member of its armed wing, the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA), eventually becoming the head of the SPLA. Following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the South gained autonomy under the leadership of Garang in July 2005. After Garang died at the end of the month, Kiir became the new President of the Southern Autonomous region, as well as First Vice President of the central government. Kiir won re-election as President following the 2010 South Sudanese general...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abanindranath Tagore — Contemporary (Died in 1951) (1951): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Agrippina Vaganova — Contemporary (Died in 1951) (1951): Foundational Russian ballerina and creator of the influential Vaganova method.
• Al Franken — Contemporary (Born in 1951) (1951): Comedian, writer, and politician known for SNL and his tenure as a U.S. Senator.
• Alain Ducasse — Shared historical date (09-13 · Born) (1956): Renowned French-born Monégasque chef, celebrated for Michelin-starred cuisine.
• Amon Göth — Shared historical date (09-13 · Died) (1946): Austrian SS functionary and war criminal, commandant of Płaszów concentration camp.
• Alexander Sokurov — Historical peer (Born in 1951) (1951): Influential Russian filmmaker known for 'Russian Ark' and 'Faust'.
• Alvin E. Roth — Historical peer (Born in 1951) (1951): Pioneering economist known for game theory and market design solutions.
• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Amy Winehouse — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• 1951 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1951
• September 13 (09-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 13

Frequently Asked Questions about Salva Kiir