South Sudan crisis: Conflict between factions centuries in the making

Key Concepts

• South Sudan Conflict: Ongoing violence between government and opposition forces.
• Ethnic Targeting: Systematic violence against specific ethnic groups (Dinka & Nuer).
• Resource Curse: The paradox of abundant natural resources (oil) not translating into prosperity for the population.
• Peace Agreements & Implementation: Repeated failures to uphold peace deals and integrate opposition groups.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Mass displacement, lack of aid, and strain on medical facilities.
• Looting of Public Funds: Systemic corruption and misappropriation of oil revenues.

Historical Context & Roots of the Conflict

The current violence in South Sudan is deeply rooted in a history of exploitation and marginalization. Centuries of slave raids originating from the north, followed by approximately 50 years of British colonialism, left the region isolated and underdeveloped. Sudan’s independence in 1956 failed to deliver the desired changes for the Southern population. While oil extraction began in the 1980s, the resulting wealth primarily benefited a select few in Khartoum (the Sudanese capital), fueling resentment and separatist movements. This led to two prolonged civil wars spanning 50 years, culminating in a 2005 peace agreement. This agreement paved the way for a referendum and ultimately, South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

The Post-Independence Civil War (2013-2018)

The initial optimism following independence was short-lived. Just two years after gaining independence, a power struggle between Salva Kiir, South Sudan’s first president, and Riek Machar, his first vice president, ignited a brutal five-year civil war. This conflict resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths, with roughly half of those being civilians deliberately targeted based on their ethnicity. Specifically, members of Kiir’s Dinka community were targeted by Machar’s forces, and vice versa, with fighters from Machar’s Nuer community being targeted by Kiir’s forces. The violence displaced approximately 4 million people, many of whom remain in displacement camps years later. A camp established in 2013, as shown in the report, exemplifies this situation; despite government calls for return three years prior, conditions remain dire with deteriorating infrastructure and a recent influx of new arrivals fleeing renewed violence in Jonglay state.

The Fragile 2018 Peace Deal & Current Escalation

A peace deal brokered in 2018 aimed to end the civil war, but its implementation has been severely lacking. Key provisions, such as the integration of opposition fighters into the national army and the holding of promised elections, have been repeatedly postponed. The arrest of Riek Machar on treason charges in March, along with the dismissal of his allies from government positions, further undermined the agreement. Machar’s opposition forces claim escalating attacks on their “cantoned” (assembled and awaiting integration) fighters, coupled with support for allied armed groups, forced them to retaliate. In response, government forces launched an operation against opposition forces in Jonglay state last month, triggering the current wave of displacement affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

Humanitarian Crisis & Resource Mismanagement

The escalating conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Donor funding cuts and government restrictions on movement are hindering the delivery of essential aid. The report highlights the critical situation at a hospital in Akobo, where staff are facing shortages of supplies needed to treat patients with gunshot wounds. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the “resource curse” plaguing South Sudan. Despite 15 years of oil revenues, the benefits have not trickled down to the population. Instead, the wealth is largely visible in luxury goods in Juba and neighboring countries’ capitals. The United Nations estimates that billions of dollars of public funds have been systematically looted, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and conflict.

Concluding Remarks

As Malcolm Webb, reporting from Jonglay State, South Sudan, states, “For centuries, South Sudan’s resources haven’t benefited its people. Once again, they’re paying the price for the ambitions of those who seek to control them.” The ongoing conflict represents a tragic continuation of a long history of exploitation and political instability. The failure to implement peace agreements, coupled with systemic corruption and a lack of accountability, continues to inflict immense suffering on the South Sudanese population. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for renewed international engagement, a commitment to good governance, and a focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict to ensure a sustainable future for South Sudan.