The region of Southern Sudan (currently the independent republic of South Sudan) became autonomous for the first time, within Sudan, in 1972, through the Addis Ababa Agreement meant to end the First Sudanese Civil War, and its local government had five presidents until 1983, when the Sudanese central government revoked the autonomy.

Autonomy was gained again in 2005, through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement meant to end the Second Sudanese Civil War, and the position of president of Southern Sudan was restored.

Then, on 9 July 2011, South Sudan became independent and a new constitution was adopted.

[1] Salva Kiir's term as elected president ended in 2015, but constitutional amendments of 2018 and Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) formed in 2020 extended his mandate until 2023[3] and later 2024.

[4] (Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office) Note: The President of South Sudan was also First Vice President of the Sudanese national government until 9 July 2011.