A Historic Political Legacy

Following the 1958 military takeover in Sudan, Southern political leaders, including William Deng, Fr. Saturnino Ohure, Joseph Oduho and Alexis Bakumba, went into exile. In 1962, while in exile, they founded the Sudan African Closed Districts National Union (SACDNU). In 1963, the movement relocated to Kampala, Uganda, where it adopted the name Sudan African National Union (SANU).

Fr. Saturnino Ohure became the Patron, Joseph Oduho the first President, and William Deng the first Secretary-General. The name SANU reflected solidarity with other African nationalist movements, including KANU, TANU and ZANU.

SANU became the political voice of Southern Sudanese refugees and played an important role in advancing the Southern cause during the early years of the liberation struggle. In 1965, SANU split into the SANU-Inside and SANU-Outside wings. William Deng led SANU-Inside, which was officially registered as a political party in Sudan and contested the 1965 parliamentary elections on a platform advocating autonomy for Southern Sudan within a federal system.

William Deng and other Southern leaders achieved significant electoral victories. His subsequent assassination further strengthened the Southern liberation movement, which continued until the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972.

The Agreement established the Southern Sudan Regional Government and ushered in a decade of peace and development. During this period, important public institutions, infrastructure and agricultural projects were developed, laying foundations for the administration and economic growth of Southern Sudan.

The abrogation of the Addis Ababa Agreement in 1983 led to the renewal of the liberation struggle under the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). The struggle continued until the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), paving the way for the 2011 Self-Determination Referendum.

On 9 July 2011, the people of South Sudan overwhelmingly voted for independence. On 9 July 2011, the Republic of South Sudan officially became a sovereign and independent nation.

Following independence, the party once again adopted a name reflecting the new political reality and sovereignty of the Republic. Sudan African National Union (SANU) was renamed the South Sudan African National Union (SSANU), the party’s current name, affirming its identity as a South Sudanese political movement and its commitment to serving the people of the sovereign and independent Republic of South Sudan.

SSANU proudly recognizes its historic role in initiating and advancing the political struggle for self-determination, freedom and independence, and remains committed to building a just, peaceful, united and prosperous South Sudan.

Our Legacy

The SSANU of today draws inspiration from the courage, political commitment and sacrifices of earlier generations while recognizing that the challenges facing South Sudan today require new ideas, new leadership and renewed national commitment.