The Republic of South Sudan attained independence on 9 July 2011, following a peaceful and historic Referendum on Self-Determination conducted from 9 January 2011. During this referendum, an overwhelming majority of South Sudanese voted in favor of secession from Sudan, exercising their democratic right to determine their political future. This decisive moment crowned decades of struggle for freedom, equality, and national identity, and marked the birth of the world’s youngest sovereign State.
The journey toward independence traces back through years of organized resistance, negotiations, and political engagement, culminating in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005. That agreement laid the foundation for autonomous governance in Southern Sudan and established a roadmap toward self-determination. The interim period that followed focused on institutional preparation, civic education, and referendum readiness, leading to the successful vote of January 2011.
On 9 July 2011, South Sudan formally declared independence and joined the international community as a sovereign nation. His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit was sworn in as the founding President of the Republic, assuming responsibility for guiding the new State through its formative years. The Transitional Constitution provided the legal framework for governance, defining executive authority, establishing democratic institutions, and guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms.
From independence onward, the Government under President Salva Kiir Mayardit prioritized the establishment of core national institutions. These included the Presidency, National Executive, National Legislature, Judiciary, security services, and independent commissions. Ministries were organized, civil service systems developed, and diplomatic missions opened across Africa and beyond. South Sudan secured membership in regional and international bodies, strengthening its presence on the global stage.
Peacebuilding and national unity remained central pillars of governance. Through continuous engagement with national stakeholders, regional organizations, and international partners, the Government pursued dialogue, reconciliation, and stabilization initiatives aimed at restoring harmony among communities and strengthening social cohesion. These efforts supported the consolidation of State authority and the gradual strengthening of institutional governance.
Development advanced alongside peace initiatives. Investments in transport infrastructure, public buildings, healthcare facilities, education systems, and telecommunications expanded access to essential services and improved connectivity across the country. Growth in mobile communications and digital platforms supported public information sharing and administrative coordination. Agriculture and trade received sustained policy attention to strengthen food security, support livelihoods, and stimulate domestic production, while natural resource management continued to contribute to national revenue and economic recovery.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration also emphasized international cooperation as a driver of national progress. South Sudan built partnerships with regional neighbors and development partners to support humanitarian response, institutional capacity building, and long-term development programs. These collaborations strengthened national efforts in education, health, infrastructure development, and public sector reform.
