Second Sudanese Civil War

Quick Facts: Who was Second Sudanese Civil War?

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Second Sudanese Civil War

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A protracted conflict (1983–2005) leading to the independence of South Sudan.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Second Sudanese Civil War was a conflict from 1983 to 2005 between the central Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army. It was largely a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil War of 1955 to 1972. Although it originated in southern Sudan, the civil war spread to the Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile. It lasted for almost 22 years and is one of the longest civil wars on record. The war resulted in the independence of South Sudan 6 years after the war ended.

Career & Major Achievements

Roughly two million people died as a result of the conflict. Four million people in southern Sudan were displaced at least once, normally repeatedly during the war. The civilian death toll is one of the highest of any war since World War II and was marked by numerous human rights violations, including slavery and mass killings. Wars in Sudan are often characterized as fights between the central government expanding and dominating peoples of the periphery, raising allegations of marginalization. Kingdoms and great powers based along the Nile River have fought against the people of inland Sudan for centuries.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Since at least the 18th century, central governments have attempted to regulate and exploit the undeveloped southern and inland regions of Sudan. Some sources describe the conflict as an ethnoreligious one where the Arab-Muslim central government's pursuits to impose Sharia law in 1983 on non-Muslim southerners led to violence, and eventually to the civil war. Historian Douglas Johnson has pointed to exploitative governance as the root cause. When the British governed Sudan as a colony they administered the northern and southern provinces separately. The south was held to be more similar to the other East African colonies – Kenya, Tanganyika, and Uganda – while northern Sudan was more similar to Arabic-speaking Egypt.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1955: 1955 Milestone — It was largely a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil War of 1955 to 1972.
2. 1983: 1983 Milestone — The Second Sudanese Civil War was a conflict from 1983 to 2005 between the central Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Second Sudanese Civil War

True or False: “The Second Sudanese Civil War was solely a conflict over religious differences between Arab and non-Arab populations.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While religion was a major factor, the war was also significantly fueled by disputes over natural resources, particularly oil fields.

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• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Historical peer (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Sudanese Civil War