Dr. John Garang de Mabior (1945-2005) was a prominent Sudanese politician and revolutionary leader who played a significant role in the history of Sudan and South Sudan. He led the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) during the Second Sudanese Civil War. Garang briefly served as the First Vice President of Sudan before his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2005.

Born into a poor Dinka family in Wangulei, Sudan (now South Sudan), Garang was orphaned at a young age. He received his early education in Tanzania and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Grinnell College in Iowa, USA, in 1969. He also obtained a Master's degree and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Iowa State University.

Garang joined the Anyanya rebels during the First Sudanese Civil War in 1962. After the Addis Ababa Agreement in 1972, he was absorbed into the Sudanese military, rising to the rank of colonel. In 1983, he led a mutiny of southern soldiers, forming the SPLA/M, which fought against military rule and Islamic dominance. This marked the beginning of the Second Sudanese Civil War.

Garang advocated for a "New Sudan," a united, secular, and multiethnic state where all citizens would have equal rights. He believed that unity could be achieved by embracing all cultures and religions in Sudan. However, his vision was not universally embraced, and the SPLA faced internal divisions and challenges.

In 2005, the SPLA/M and the Sudanese government signed the CPA, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. As part of the agreement, Garang was sworn in as the First Vice President of Sudan and the president of Southern Sudan. This was a historic moment, as no Christian or southerner had ever held such a high government post.

Garang died in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005, just weeks after taking office. His death was a major blow to the peace process and sparked grief and unrest. Although the cause of the crash remains a subject of speculation, both the Sudanese government and the SPLA attributed it to bad weather.

Garang is remembered as a visionary leader and a symbol of hope for Southern Sudanese people. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek freedom, justice, and self-determination. However, his leadership was also criticized for human rights abuses and a lack of tolerance for dissent.

John Garang was married to Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior. Together they had several children, including Mabior Garang De-Mabior and Akuol de Mabior.