List of Heads of State of South Sudan: A Comedic Journey through a Short but Memorable History

South Sudan, the land of Kush, the place where wild beasts roam free, and the birthplace of one too many border disputes. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has had its fair share of leaders, some of whom have left a lasting impression on the political scene. In this article, we’ll take a comical trip down memory lane to explore the past, present, and future of South Sudan’s heads of state.

1. Salva Kiir Mayardit (2011 – Present)

Kiir, who served as Vice President of Sudan from 2005 to 2011, is the first and current president of South Sudan. A towering figure with a signature cowboy hat, Salva Kiir is known for his distinct look and quirky mannerisms. He has earned the nickname “Cowboy Diplomat” for his efforts to settle the on-going conflicts in South Sudan. Kiir is also famous for his penchant for cattle, a revered symbol of wealth and power in South Sudanese culture. If you see him in Juba, don’t be surprised if he’s wearing a bolo tie made of cowhides.

2. Riek Machar (2013 – 2016)

Machar, a former rebel leader, served as Vice President under Kiir from 2013 to 2016. His previous history of rebel activities and his hunger for power made him a ticking time bomb in the Kiir government. Their differences eventually led to a fallout and a violent war in the capital city of Juba. Today, Machar is still in exile, and rumors have it that Kiir and Machar’s beef dates back to when they were in school – Kiir apparently used to beat Machar in chess.

3. Taban Deng Gai (2016 – 2018)

When Machar fled the country in 2016, Taban Deng Gai replaced him as the country’s new Vice President. Deng Gai’s short stint was somewhat uneventful compared to his predecessor, although he did try to make his mark by changing the country’s name to “South Sudan and Friends.” The move was questioned by many on the basis that Gai did not have any friends.

4. First Woman President (TBA)

In 2019, South Sudan’s parliament approved the appointment of the first female Vice President, Rebecca Garang, making her a strong contender for the presidency post in the future. We’ll look forward to hearing President Garang’s famous quotes and nicknames that will make history.

Conclusion

South Sudan’s journey to nationhood has been rocky to say the least, but its leaders have always managed to keep us entertained with their quirks and personalities. Although the future remains uncertain, we can only hope that South Sudan’s next head of state will not only bring stability and unity but also provide us with endless stories and anecdotes to tell. Until then, let us sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.