Garang's shadow

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His decision not to stand for national president in the April 2010 elections laid to rest any lingering doubts about whether he would back separation.
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Salva Kiir
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* 1960s: First joined southern rebellion
* 1983: Founder member of SPLM
* 1990s: SPLM military leader
* 2005: Southern leader and national vice-president
* 2010: Elected president of Southern Sudan

Instead, he chose to seek a democratic mandate as leader of Southern Sudan - a position he had already held since the sudden death of his charismatic predecessor, John Garang.

He won an overwhelming majority, with many south Sudanese saying there are few others able to take his place.

"President Kiir can hold us together - there is no-one else who can do that today," trader Agnes Monoja told the BBC.

Mr Kiir took over as southern leader and