South Sudanese Civil War

Quick Facts: Who was South Sudanese Civil War?

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South Sudanese Civil War

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A multi-sided civil war in South Sudan, spanning from 2013 to 2018.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The South Sudanese Civil War was a multi-sided civil war in South Sudan fought from 2013 to 2018 between government and opposition forces. The civil war caused rampant human rights abuses, including forced displacement, ethnic massacres, and killings of journalists by various parties. Since the war's end, South Sudan has been governed by a coalition formed by leaders of the former warring factions, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar. The country continues to recover from the war while experiencing ongoing and systemic ethnic violence. In December 2013, President Kiir accused his former deputy Machar and 10 others of attempting a coup d'état.

Career & Major Achievements

Machar denied trying to start a coup and fled to lead the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). Fighting broke out between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and SPLM-IO, igniting the civil war. Ugandan troops were deployed to fight alongside the South Sudanese government. The United Nations has peacekeepers in the country as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). In January 2014, the first ceasefire agreement was reached.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Fighting continued and was followed by several more ceasefire agreements. Negotiations were mediated by IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations, China, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and Norway; the "Compromise Peace Agreement" was signed in August 2015. Machar returned to Juba in 2016 and was appointed vice president. Following a second breakout of fighting within Juba, the SPLM-IO fled to the surrounding and previously peaceful Equatoria region. Kiir replaced Machar as First Vice President with Taban Deng Gai, splitting the opposition, and rebel in-fighting became a major part of the conflict.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2013: 2013 Milestone — The South Sudanese Civil War was a multi-sided civil war in South Sudan fought from 2013 to 2018 between government and opposition forces.
2. 2014: 2014 Milestone — In January 2014, the first ceasefire agreement was reached.
3. 2015: 2015 Milestone — Negotiations were mediated by IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations, China, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and Norway; the "Compromise Peace Agreement" was signed in August 2015.
4. 2016: 2016 Milestone — Machar returned to Juba in 2016 and was appointed vice president.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: South Sudanese Civil War

True or False: “The primary cause of the conflict was solely a dispute over oil revenue distribution following independence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While oil disputes fueled tensions, the war's immediate trigger involved President Kiir accusing his former deputy Machar of attempting a coup d'état.

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Frequently Asked Questions about South Sudanese Civil War