As an expert in international relations and political history, I have a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped various regions around the world, including South Sudan. The question of who ruled South Sudan is one that requires a nuanced examination of the country's recent history, particularly since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

**South Sudan's Path to Independence and Early Governance:**
South Sudan's journey to statehood was fraught with conflict and struggle. The First Sudanese Civil War, which lasted from 1955 to 1972, and the Second Sudanese Civil War, from 1983 to 2005, were largely driven by ethnic tensions and disputes over resources and political power between the predominantly Muslim north and the more diverse south. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 ended the second civil war and established a power-sharing agreement, which included an autonomy period for South Sudan and a referendum on independence.

In 2011, South Sudan voted overwhelmingly for independence, becoming the world's youngest nation.
Salva Kiir Mayardit, a key figure in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the First Vice President of Sudan during the autonomy period, became the President of South Sudan.

**The South Sudanese Civil War and its Aftermath:**
The period following independence was not one of peace and stability. As you mentioned, on December 14, 2013, a faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), which was largely composed of the Nuer ethnic group and loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, allegedly attempted a coup d'état. President Salva Kiir accused Machar of orchestrating this coup, which, despite being suppressed, led to a violent conflict that escalated into a full-blown civil war.

This war was characterized by brutal violence, including ethnic cleansing and a humanitarian crisis, which displaced millions of people and led to widespread suffering. The conflict involved various factions, with the primary divide being between the forces loyal to President Kiir and those aligned with Riek Machar.

**Attempts at Peace and Power-Sharing Agreements:**
Throughout the civil war, there were numerous attempts to broker peace and establish a power-sharing government. In 2015, a peace deal was signed, but it was not fully adhered to and fighting continued. A revitalized peace agreement was signed in 2018, which saw Riek Machar return to his role as Vice President in a unity government, albeit with significant challenges to its implementation.

Current State of Governance:
As of my last update, Salva Kiir Mayardit continues to serve as the President of South Sudan, with Riek Machar in the position of First Vice President. However, the situation remains volatile, and the country faces significant challenges in terms of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and development.

Key Takeaways:
- South Sudan gained independence in 2011, with Salva Kiir Mayardit as its first president.
- The South Sudanese Civil War began in 2013 and has had a devastating impact on the country.
- Power struggles and ethnic tensions have been central to the conflict.
- Peace agreements have been signed, but their implementation has been fraught with difficulties.

It's important to approach the topic with sensitivity and a recognition of the complexity of the situation. South Sudan's path to peace and stability is a work in progress, and the international community continues to play a role in supporting efforts to achieve this goal.

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President Salva Kiir alleged that on 14 December 2013, a (largely Nuer) faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Army loyal to former vice president Riek Machar attempted a coup d'--tat and that the attempt was put down the next day. However, fighting broke out, igniting the South Sudanese Civil War.read more >>