From 1983 to 2005, he led the Sudan People's Liberation Army during the Second Sudanese Civil War, and following a peace agreement he briefly served as First Vice President of Sudan from July 9, 2005 until his death in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005.
Sejak 1983 hingga 2005, ia memimpin Tentara Pembebasan Rakyat Sudan (SPLA) selama Perang Saudara Sudan Kedua, dan setelah perjanjian damai 2005 ia menjabat Wakil Presiden Pertama Sudan sejak Januari 2005 hingga ia meninggal pada suatu kecelakaan helikopter pada Juli 2005.