A Short History of South Sudan

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, gained independence in 2011 after decades of struggle against Sudanese rule. Its history is marked by ancient civilizations, colonial influence, prolonged conflicts, and ongoing efforts to establish stability. This article explores South Sudan’s journey from its early history to the present.

Ancient and Pre-Colonial History

The region now known as South Sudan has been inhabited for thousands of years by Nilotic ethnic groups such as the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk, who practiced cattle herding, farming, and fishing.

Ancient South Sudan was influenced by powerful African kingdoms, including:

The Kingdom of Kush (circa 1070 BCE–350 CE) – Located in present-day northern Sudan, Kush was a major civilization with connections to Egypt and the Mediterranean world. While the Kushite influence did not extend deeply into South Sudan, it shaped trade and cultural exchanges in the broader region.

The Shilluk Kingdom (16th–19th century CE) – One of the dominant pre-colonial states in South Sudan, the Shilluk Kingdom controlled trade along the White Nile and had a centralized political system under the Reth (king).

Unlike northern Sudan, which experienced Arab and Islamic influences through trade and conquest, South Sudan remained culturally and religiously distinct, maintaining indigenous spiritual beliefs and later adopting Christianity.

Colonial Rule (19th–20th Century)

In the 19th century, South Sudan came under external control as part of broader Turco-Egyptian, Mahdist, and British rule:

Turco-Egyptian Rule (1821–1885) – The Egyptian Ottoman rulers expanded southward, exploiting South Sudan for slaves and resources. The region suffered from the brutal trans-Saharan slave trade.

Mahdist Period (1885–1898) – The Mahdist movement, an Islamic revivalist force, briefly controlled Sudan, further alienating the South.

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (1899–1956) – Britain and Egypt jointly administered Sudan, but they governed South Sudan separately under a Southern Policy, which aimed to limit Arab and Islamic influence by promoting Christian missionary work and English education.

Sudan’s Independence and Marginalization of the South (1956–1983)

When Sudan gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956, power was concentrated in Khartoum, dominated by Arab and Muslim elites. Southern Sudanese, who were largely Christian and animist, feared marginalization and resisted integration into an Islamic state.

This led to the First Sudanese Civil War (1955–1972), in which Southern rebels (Anyanya movement) fought for autonomy. The war ended with the Addis Ababa Agreement (1972), granting South Sudan limited self-rule. However, tensions remained.

In 1983, Sudanese President Jaafar Nimeiri violated the agreement by imposing Sharia (Islamic law) nationwide. This sparked the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005), led by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) under John Garang.

The Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005)

The second war was one of Africa’s longest and deadliest conflicts, lasting over two decades and killing around 2 million people.

Key events:

Government vs. Rebels – The Sudanese government, backed by militias, fought against the SPLA, which demanded self-determination.

Famine and Human Rights Abuses – War-related famine and massacres devastated Southern Sudanese communities.

International Involvement – Global pressure, including from the U.S., African Union, and the UN, pushed for peace.

The war ended with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, granting South Sudan autonomy for six years, followed by a referendum on independence.

Independence of South Sudan (2011)

In 2011, South Sudan held a referendum on independence, where 98.8% voted for secession. On July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the world’s newest country, with Salva Kiir as its first president and Riek Machar as vice president.

However, independence did not bring lasting peace.

South Sudanese Civil War (2013–2018)

In 2013, political tensions between President Kiir (Dinka) and Vice President Machar (Nuer) led to a civil war, fueled by ethnic divisions. The conflict caused:

• 400,000+ deaths
• Over 4 million displaced people
• Severe famine and economic collapse

Despite multiple peace agreements, fighting persisted until 2018, when a power-sharing deal was signed, leading to a fragile transitional government in 2020.

Current Challenges and Future Prospects

South Sudan still faces significant challenges:

Ethnic violence continues despite peace efforts.

Weak governance and corruption hinder development.

Humanitarian crises, including hunger and floods, affect millions.

However, ongoing peace efforts, international aid, and resilience among South Sudanese people offer hope for a stable future.

Conclusion

South Sudan’s history is one of struggle, resilience, and hope. Despite centuries of marginalization and conflict, the nation remains determined to build a peaceful and prosperous future.