Ten years ago, South Sudan proclaimed its independence from Sudan following a referendum that saw a nearly 99 percent vote in favour of secession. The vote followed two civil wars that pitted rebels in the mainly Christian and animist south of Sudan against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum. Millions of people died. Salva Kiir was sworn in as the country's first president with Riek Machar as his deputy. SHORT PROFILE OF SALVA KIIR