The CPA, signed on January 9, 2005, provides for a new constitution, and new arrangements for power sharing, wealth sharing, and security applicable throughout the country. New institutions were created following the July 9, 2005 installation of the Presidency, wherein SPLM Chairman John Garang became the First Vice President. Thereafter, a new Government of National Unity and a sub-national Government of Southern Sudan were established in September and October 2005, respectively. In April 2005, the National Constitution Review Commission convened to draft the Interim National Constitution, which was ratified on July 6, 2005. The Constitution declares Sudan to be a "democratic, decentralized, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual State."

Other provisions of the CPA implemented to date include the formation of the National Assembly authorizing formation of Joint Defense Board and Joint Integrated Units; appointment of Cabinet members and signing of the Southern Sudan constitution; establishment of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission, National Petroleum Commission, Fiscal and Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission, and Technical ad hoc Border Committee; members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) identified and sworn in to participate in the GNU as Ministers of Science & Technology, General Education, and State Minister of Agriculture and Forestry; and an increasing numbers of people returning to the South.

On July 30, 2005, the charismatic and revered SPLM leader John Garang died unexpectedly when the helicopter returning him to the Sudan after a meeting with Ugandaís president crashed. The SPLM immediately named Salva Kiir as his successor and he replaced Garang as First Vice President a few days later.

Sudan maintains an embassy in the United States at 2210 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: (202) 338-8565; fax: (202) 667-2406).