Sylva Keer Mayardit is the successor of John Garang

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) chose Sylva Keer Mayardit as its chairman in succession of its late leader John Garang. Leer used to have the post of the Vice President of the movement, and the leader of its military wing, known as the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).

The fourth ranking official in the movement, Baghan Ammoun, told journalists that the two leaderships of the movement and the army decided unanimously to appoint Gen. Keer as a chairman for the movement and a leader for its army. It is expected that he will take his oath as the first Sudanese Vice President within two weeks.

The movement vowed to implement the peace agreement signed in January despite the death of its leader Garang. In a press conference in Nairobi, Sylva Keer stressed earlier on Monday that his movement will keep its unity and abide by the vision of John Garang.