Fractured State
With independence on July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the world’s youngest nation, emerging from decades of war. But peace was short-lived. Unresolved border disputes and a failed referendum fueled ongoing tensions with Sudan.
Rebels from the Nuba Mountains continue to resist relentless attacks by Sudanese forces, a struggle dating back to the 1990s. In 2012, South Sudan briefly seized oil-rich areas, including Heglig, before being pushed back.
In December 2013, a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, erupted into civil war. Government forces (SPLA/M), opposition groups (SPLA/M-IO), and militias fought brutal battles, killing tens of thousands and displacing over 3.5 million, half of them fleeing to neighboring countries. By 2017, the UN declared famine in parts o
In 2024 and 2025, the fighting continues. Clashes between government troops, opposition forces, and armed groups persist, while cross-border violence with Sudan has escalated. Despite its oil wealth, South Sudan remains trapped in war, hosting Africa’s largest refugee crisis.
